A distinct family leave
Manitoba’s attachment leave came into force June 1, 2026. It provides up to 16 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave when a child is placed in an employee’s care through adoption or surrogacy.
Eligibility generally requires seven consecutive months with the same employer. The leave is normally taken as one continuous period, with written notice at least four weeks before it begins unless circumstances require less notice.
Relationship to parental leave
Attachment leave can be followed immediately by parental leave unless the employer agrees to a different arrangement. Employment remains continuous during the legislated leave, and the employee is entitled to return to the same job or a comparable position with the same or greater pay and benefits.