The two research studies in this volume focus on the employer's role in child care. The studies were commissioned as part of an effort to provide detailed analyses of issues of special relevance to child care and parental leave policies and the effects of these issues on the Canadian family. Paper l provides a basis for the development of paid parental leave policies in Canada, reviewing maternity and paid parental leave programs in other countries. Such options as paid leave on the birth or adoption of a child, shorter working hours for parents, and extended leaves for child care by parents are considered. The paper reviews the provisions for paid parental leave in Canada, taking into account statutory benefits available through the Unemployment Insurance program and private arrangements for fully paid parental leave, such as those negotiated by some trade unions. Finally, the paper recommends paid parental leave options for Canada, developing a cost analysis of the options for application, with proposals for financing the programs. The second paper (1) provides an inventory and description of work-related day care programs and activities in Canada, (2) reviews work-related day care policies and programs at all levels of government, (3) provides an analysis of key issues, including advantages and disadvantages to users and sponsors, and factors affecting the development of work-related programs, and (4) identifies significant implications for future policy and program development. (RH)