To be fair, the benefit in Canada is essentially Employment Insurance.
You get 55% of your wage up to $543/week. Often larger employers will top up your first 4 months to 100% or 80% and consider it akin to short term disability but after that you are on your own with the $543 / week.
It is a huge step up from what our USian friends south of the border get but still puts a lot of strain on family finances through that first year. Many people opt to return to work early (even with the added costs of childcare).
