Fathers’ Rights: Our Special Quiz for Father’s Day

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To mark the Semaine québécoise de la paternité (Quebec fatherhood week), which ends on Father’s Day, here’s a short quiz to test your knowledge about fathers’ rights and responsibilities in Quebec. Can you figure out what’s true and what’s not … without falling for any trick questions? A little game to play solo, as a couple, or with family—learn while having a good time! 

Our Special Quiz for Father’s Day

How many weeks off can a father take after the birth or adoption of his child?

Correct answer

Paternity leave can last up to five weeks in a row. It can begin as soon as the child is born and must end no later than 78 weeks after the birth. In the case of adoption, the leave can start the week the parent stops working to go pick up the child. 
 
This leave can be followed by parental leave, which both parents can share. 
 
The length of the leave remains five weeks even when there’s multiple births, such as twins. 

Wrong answer

Paternity leave can last up to five weeks in a row. It can begin as soon as the child is born and must end no later than 78 weeks after the birth. In the case of adoption, the leave can start the week the parent stops working to go pick up the child. 
 
This leave can be followed by parental leave, which both parents can share. 
 
The length of the leave remains five weeks even when there’s multiple births, such as twins. 

Can a child legally have two fathers?

Wrong answer

Two men in a relationship can become parents by adopting a child or by getting help from a surrogate. The names of the two fathers will appear on the birth certificate. The same goes for two women in a relationship. 

Correct answer

Two men in a relationship can become parents by adopting a child or by getting help from a surrogate. The names of the two fathers will appear on the birth certificate. The same goes for two women in a relationship. 

Can a father take time off work to take care of his child?

Correct answer

Each parent is allowed 10 days off per year for family reasons such as the child’s care, health, or education. If the parent has worked for the same employer for at least three months, the first two days are paid. 
 
If a child is seriously sick or injured, their parents can take up to 36 weeks of leave. This leave is protected by the law: the employer can’t refuse it or punish the parent for taking it. 

Wrong answer

Each parent is allowed 10 days off per year for family reasons such as the child’s care, health, or education. If the parent has worked for the same employer for at least three months, the first two days are paid. 
 
If a child is seriously sick or injured, their parents can take up to 36 weeks of leave. This leave is protected by the law: the employer can’t refuse it or punish the parent for taking it. 

When parents are separated, what are the father’s rights regarding their child’s health?

Wrong answer

Both parents share parental authority. This means they must make important decisions regarding their child together, including health care.  From the age of 14, a child can make certain medical decisions on their own.

Even if parents no longer live together, they both keep this right, except if the court decides otherwise. 

If there’s a disagreement, either parent can ask the court to decide. In serious cases like domestic violence, it’s possible to provide care for the child without going to court. For more information, visit the Quebec government’s website. 

Correct answer

Both parents share parental authority. This means they must make important decisions regarding their child together, including health care.  From the age of 14, a child can make certain medical decisions on their own.

Even if parents no longer live together, they both keep this right, except if the court decides otherwise. 

If there’s a disagreement, either parent can ask the court to decide. In serious cases like domestic violence, it’s possible to provide care for the child without going to court. For more information, visit the Quebec government’s website. 

Can a father travel abroad alone with their child?

Correct answer

Before travelling abroad, the parent accompanying the child must get consent from the other parent, whether they’re separated or not. The other parent must know where the child is going, the travel dates, and how to stay in contact. 
 
Certain border services and airlines may require a written authorization from the parent who is not travelling. An example of consent letter is available on the government website.  

Wrong answer

Before travelling abroad, the parent accompanying the child must get consent from the other parent, whether they’re separated or not. The other parent must know where the child is going, the travel dates, and how to stay in contact. 
 
Certain border services and airlines may require a written authorization from the parent who is not travelling. An example of consent letter is available on the government website.