Hi ladies! I hope everyone is having an ok year so far. AF is visiting me currently and I have been totally stressed out at work, so very, very glad we are going on vacation soon! I have been trying to check in so I don't get too far behind. I have everything (but my legs) crossed for you MrsB!
Lysh, that is terrible, but I am glad that your employer offers benefits.
Clandara, check with your employer, it really depends on what they offer.
I recommend reading the policies a couple of times and sit down with an HR rep to go over them. My husband's plan said it would "top up" your EI (the $$ the government pays you during your mat leave) to 100% of your normal salary, rather than the approximately 40% EI gives you. But after reading it a couple of times, I pointed out that it said "maternity" pay, so the policy only applies to female employees, not the men taking paternity leave, that was confirmed by the HR person. The HR rep did give us valuable information though, for example deadlines for changing/updating plans and help navigating the government forms properly.
Hope that helps a bit and you get some better help/options, don't be afraid to ask questions, you don't want to find out too late that you could have gotten something better and that is what the HR rep is there for!