Another consequence that I observed in Canada is that employers have shifted a bit from full-time employees to perpetually renewing contracts. So exactly like t

Another consequence that I observed in Canada is that employers have shifted a bit from full-time employees to perpetually renewing contracts. So exactly like that example you gave, the good temp finds another “position” which happens to be a one year contract at the same firm (not necessarily filling in for a leave). This contract gets renewed each year, and the company is not on the hook to “keep the spot open” for a year when the employee has a child. They just don’t renew the contract and hire another contractor. I knew several people in this position. (I believe one actually worked for the federal government, ironically.) IMO this unintended consequence isn’t often discussed. IIRC it’s also an issue in France, where because it’s nearly impossible to fire someone, you’ll basically never hire full time employees if you can avoid it, especially if they’re young and unproven.