Quebec is implementing a new parental leave program that Premier Jean Charest said will be the most generous in Canada.

An average parent can expect to receive about $2,000 more than they'd get under the current system. It will also extend benefits to self-employed workers.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest (CP file photo)

But workers and businesses will pay for it with increased premiums.

The province is taking over responsibility for parental leave from Ottawa, and offering more money and more flexibility for new parents.

But the new program will cost $200 million more each year, and that cost is being passed on directly to workers and businesses.

People who make a $30,000 salary will pay about $23 more a year, while workers who make $60,000 will see an extra $107 deducted from their pay cheques. Charest insisted the new fees do not represent a tax increase.

"It's a longstanding commitment that was made well before the campaign, so no one can turn around today and say, 'Oh I'm surprised now that we've actually done this,'" Charest said.

Under the new program new parents can receive 75 per cent of their salary over 40 weeks.

Or they can split it, and receive 70 per cent for 25 weeks and then 55 per cent for another 25 weeks.

"The program is more generous than what the federal program used to be, and it is very, very good news for parents and for young families," said Charest.

The program goes into effect Jan. 1.