I not have this personally, my baby days long over. But here, I know most carer not bother with EI for mat leave because it limited benefit and no opt out after chosen to opt in. Stuck paying EI until end of self-employment.

It cost $1.88 per $100 profit - so income after all expense. I think it line 150 of tax return. The benefit is your most recent return profit amount divided by 52 weeks for an average x about 55% (max). For lot of local providers, because it based on profit not gross income, the mat pay amount not very much.

If say claimed $24k profit last year, then get about $250 per week. But I think it only pay out for limited number of weeks.

I don't think it worth worry about people leaving and their situation. You never be able to plan baby when it good time with own business. Some client will leave no matter when you do it. Some client will stay. No way to know if people will sign with you once you are expecting baby but likely will minimize some because you taking whole year. Lot of local provider just take few days/weeks so new clients signing not so worried. Maybe could focus on short term client if need be? Here, lot people put child in facility but many not take younger than 18 months so lot parents need care short term after mat leave end before baby is toddler and can go to big centre. Is this possible in your market or no really?