In Quebec, a new private member’s bill seeks to improve parental leave for members of municipal council, proposing a leave period of up to a maximum of 18 consecutive weeks. Bill 594, tabled by Parti Québécois MNA Carole Poirier, aims to permit the absence of a municipal council member from council sittings as a result of the member’s pregnancy or to the birth or adoption of a child so long as the end of leave passes before the duration of the member’s term.

As a stay-at-home dad I am an advocate for parental leave for both mothers and fathers. I believe that employers and governments have a responsibility to ensure fair and equal opportunity for leave to any parent following the birth or adoption of a child. However until the introduction of Bill 594 I never considered what would happen if parenting and politics intersected.

Does this proposed bill pit civic responsibility and familial responsibility against each other? We expect elected officials to uphold their public mandate and act in the best interest of their constituents. Currently there are provisions in place to ensure to the voting public that incumbent municipal members remain active in their role. Councillors face the risk of penalization ranging from monetary fines to losing their seat if they miss more than 90 days of council meetings.

If the new bill passes, new mothers or fathers would be entitled to be absent for up to 127 days.

With Bill 594, a level of accountability for elected officials has to remain. In order to be a present parent during this crucial time in a child’s life and serving the public, parental leave has to be more detailed than allocating mere time away. This bill is an entry-level catalyst for change and one that is positive. My hope is that provisions can be made to ensure the public, families and budding politicians can benefit through a culture that is inclusive of families.

These circumstances are unique and require a unique approach that does not threaten the public’s right to a democratic government. The solution can’t be a standard parental leave where the child’s needs are isolated. A one-or-the-other approach will not work. The law has to address a way for a municipal representative to be a parent and a public servant.

Public officials are elected to engage in public duty. The reality is they can’t just walk away. And with advancements in technology, or some grassroots problem solving, they don’t have to. Whether that means councillors on leave participate remotely in council meetings or they appoint a council liaison, the success of this bill hinges on finding a way to address how all parties will be impacted when parenting and politics cross paths.