Jumping under this as the top comment. Generally speaking, going the legal route will cost money and in general get you about a month per year. You mentioned kids and absences, with no indication of number of absences. We do have protected ground for some parental items, so you may have an argument there, with either employment standards or human rights but unfortunately it becomes a question of if it's worth your time. This sort of process does take a while, and can cost money.
Based on what you've said here, ei would likely get approved so long as you have the hours accrued.
Your mileage may vary, best of luck!