Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould is preparing to become the first federal minister in history to take maternity leave.
Ms. Gould is expecting her first child in March and will remain on maternity leave until at least May.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Treasury Board President Scott Brison will replace her during her absence.
MPs and ministers do not contribute to EI and are not officially entitled to maternity leave. However, they can negotiate an arrangement with their party leaders so that they can be away for more than the 21 days of medical leave to which they are entitled.
Spokeswoman Gould said the minister would be in the Commons next week before returning home to Burlington to wait for her child’s arrival.
Gould will become the first minister to give birth to a child during her term, 31 years after Liberal Sheila Copps became the first member to do so.
