There are times when an employee needs a few weeks (up to 3 months) in order to deal with a life situation. The Public Service Alliance of Canada recognizes the possibility of that need, and the following Leave With Pay (Income Averaging) may be helpful:
http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/remuneration-compensation/paye-centre-pay/vie-life/cer-lia-eng.html
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=15774§ion=text#appD
This option will mean a reduced salary but not an elimination of salary and may prove very useful .