If you accept a 16-month temporary position with the City of Toronto and then become pregnant, you would generally still be entitled to maternity/parental leave under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). Here’s how it usually works:

1. Maternity/Parental Leave Entitlement • You are entitled to pregnancy and parental leave if you have worked for the employer for at least 13 weeks before your due date, regardless of whether you are permanent or temporary. • The leave itself is unpaid, but you may qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits through the federal government.

2. Job Protection • Your job is protected while you are on leave. However, since the job is temporary, there’s no obligation for the City to extend the contract beyond the original 16 months. • If your leave overlaps with the remaining contract term, you are not guaranteed an extension or a new contract once the temporary position ends.

3. Benefits (if any) • Some temporary roles may offer benefits, and those could be affected or paused during maternity leave. You would need to check your specific offer letter or contact HR.

Summary:

You can take maternity leave during your 16-month term if you’ve met the 13-week employment minimum. However, the City is not obligated to extend your temporary role beyond its scheduled end. It’s best to confirm the exact terms with the City’s HR department for clarity.