BCPSEA benefits may be continued during a Leave of Absence. You should refer to the Details section for each benefit located in “My Plan” to review the Continuation of Benefits provisions at your District.

If you decide to take a Leave of Absence of more than 31 days, the following steps must be taken:

  • You must complete the Notice of Leave form for an upcoming Leave of Absence of more than 31 days, indicating type of leave (ie. Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, or other paid or unpaid leave).
  • Benefits Administrator must receive written approval from Insurer(s) for continuation of an Employee’s benefits during a Leave of Absence, unless provided for a specific benefit as outlined under the Details section of “My Plan”.
  • Employee must sign the Waiver of Coverage form if waiving benefits during the leave of absence, if allowed by your District, and return to the District Benefits Administrator.
  • Benefits Administrator files Notice of Absence form and Waiver of Coverage form (if applicable) in Employee’s personnel file.

Deferred Salary Leave

  • If you elect to go on a deferred salary leave, approval to continue benefits will have to be obtained for the period that you are not actively at work.
  • If approved for Continuation of Coverage, the life insurance, accident insurance (if applicable) and disability insurance (if applicable) coverage levels will remain at 100% of your annual salary.

The following information outlines the Continuation of Coverage policies in the BCPSEA Benefits Program. For more details, you should refer to your Collective Agreement and/or contact your Benefits Administrator.

Maternity and Parental (including Adoption) Leaves in Canada

Coverage may be continued during a Maternity or Parental Leave, but not more than the period required under the relevant legislation. Continuation of coverage beyond the legislated time period requires Insurer approval. Please contact the Benefits Administrator for more information.

Benefit periods for Maternity Leaves and Parental Leaves (including Adoption) under legislation of British Columbia are:

  • Maternity Leave: 17 weeks (the first 2 weeks are considered an unpaid waiting period by EI)
  • Parental Leave: 35 weeks in total (can be taken by either parent or both). If taken by the father, Parental Leave will be 37 weeks (the first 2 weeks are considered an unpaid waiting period by EI)

EI Compassionate Care Leave

All benefits can be continued as long as the Employee is not terminated and premiums are continued. If an Employee becomes disabled while on EI Compassionate Care Leave, the LTD benefit Elimination Period will be deemed to commence on the date that Employee is scheduled to return to Active Employment, provided the Employee is still Disabled and still eligible for LTD benefits

Lay-off

Coverage may or may not be continued during lay off as described in the District’s Collective Agreement or in School Board policy and is subject to Insurer approval. Please contact the Benefits Administrator for more information.

Secondments, Elections, Appointments, Leaves for Public Office or Union Leaves

Coverage may or may not be continued during secondments, elections, appointments, leaves for public office or union leaves as described in the District’s Collective Agreement or in School Board policy.

Unpaid Leave of Absence

Coverage may or may not be continued during unpaid leaves of absence as described in the School Board policy.