#1 – The minimum Salary
At McGill, the minimum salary for a postdoc is only $30,000
https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/staff/postdocs/financial-support
[The link is a backup as McGill hid the $30,000 minimum salary for postdocs.]
In contrast, the minimum salary for postdocs working in the united states is over $80,000 at some universities.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XyRyhsTJt8z8ZwiZCiQegmdjAHXV838YBkSQwJKDZcQ/edit
#2 – Lack of Sick Days
McGill postdocs do not have access to the incidental illness policy which provide all other McGill employees 9 sick days per month. Postdocs are expected to either work sick or take an unpaid sick day.
https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/employee-relations/policies-procedures/disability-policy
#3 – Lack of French Classes
To immigrate to Quebec and obtain a permanent residency status an individual must get a certificate of selection from the government of Quebec. French Language skills are an important factor in this certificate and unfortunately McGill refuses to provide free French courses to Postdocs. McGill charges Postdocs around $3500 per 3 month french course, while providing free French classes to other McGill staff.
#4 – No Maternity Leave.
Unfortunately, McGill does not have a uniform Maternity or Parental leave for Postdocs. Your eligibility for leave depends on the granting agency that pays for your salary. This can range from a completely unpaid leave, to a 100% paid leave for one year.
#5 – No Moving Costs
While Mcgill has a policy relocation costs for Professors (https://www.mcgill.ca/apo/staff-guides/relocation-service), McGill will not pay for Postdoc moving expenses.
#6 – Lack of training and development.
McGill has proposed an annual budget to spend on training and development of Postdocs equivalent to around 60$ per Postdoc per year. https://www.aerum-amure.ca/blog/2022/12/01/support-postdocs/
#7 – NO PROVINCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE
Postdocs coming on an open work permit need provincial plan replacement coverage to cover medical expenses. However, McGill refuses to automatically enroll and cover the cost of this insurance to all Postdocs. Postdocs on an open work permit must sign up and pay for this coverage themselves, which is very expensive.
https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/benefits/insurance/health-dental/ppr