mapleleafs2011 said:
Can anyone comment what kind of social benefits would be available to her? I guess maternity leave would not be as she hasn't been employed yet. I will most likely be in the same boat (with my wife) when she lands.
For maternity or parental benefits You may be eligible to receive EI maternity or parental benefits if:
•you have paid EI premiums;
•you meet the specific criteria for receiving EI maternity or parental benefits;
•your normal weekly earnings are reduced by more than 40%; and
•you have accumulated at least 600 hours of insurable employment during the qualifying period or, if you are a self-employed fisher, you have earned enough money during the qualifying period.
But the spouse who has been in canada and has 600 hrs is eligible to take the paternity leave andthe parental
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/maternity_parental.shtml#eligible
that is the link with all the information, as for child tax benefits that will depend on the household income.
Here is the link for the CCTB and UCCB. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/menu-eng.html
Those are both child and family benefits.
All hospital cost will be covered under medicare for a shared room but if the spouse has private insurance you may get a semi-private or private room.
Hope this helps!