DURING MY 15-YEAR CAREER as an HR specialist, I designed leave-management programs, like disability and parental leaves, for large Canadian companies.
When it came time for me to have my first child in 2011, I knew the drill. I submitted for the maximum time-which, in days of El past, was roughly 12 months-and socked away extra savings in advance. My second and third leaves were more complicated: I had a newborn with medical needs, plus some of my own. I decided to return to work, taking part-time career counselling gigs so I could make money and attend doctors' appointments. Over and over again, I heard the same issues from women I knew-about parental leave and juggling responsibilities-so I thought, Why not all get together to talk? That's how Moms at Work, Canada's first professional association for working mothers, was born in 2017.
Esta historia es de la edición January/February 2025 de Maclean's.
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Esta historia es de la edición January/February 2025 de Maclean's.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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A Teacher's Tale
My career in Quebec ended because I chose to keep my hijab
Top Marks
InSaguenay, Quebec, Ecole de l'Etincelle embodies the school of the future
Modernize Parental Leave
Canada's birth rate is dropping, and the cost of living is partly to blame. A more supportive leave plan would make parenthood more affordable
"I spent years trying to learn English.Now I use ChatGPT."
AI isn't perfect, but it helps me write complex emails and understand Canadian culture
MY PREDICTION - The National School Food Program Will Transform Kids' Health
When students have access to nutritious food, they do better in school and life
FOOD
The exorbitant cost of food will have ripple effects on the restaurant industry and grocery stores. The good news? There's a plan to save the country's salmon supply.
MY PREDICTION - New Mortgage Rules Will Drive Up Housing Prices
Looser lending policies will encourage more people to buy homes they can't afford in the first place
HOUSING
Politicians will spar over how to tackle the housing crisis. Falling interest rates will draw young people into the real estate market. And a rude awakening is coming for homeowners renewing mortgages.
MY PREDICTION - Stuctured Literacy Will Help Level the Educational Playing Field
Canadian students have struggled to read and write. That stops this year.
EDUCATION
Quebec's classrooms will take centre stage in the secularism debate. Chatbots will help students create A-plus work, while others will grade themselves. And thousands of international students will be sent home.