Employees of federally regulated private companies are now entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave, after MPs in Ottawa voted unanimously in favor of the decision last year.
Starting December 31, workers who have been continuously employed for at least 30 days will have access to their first three paid sick days.
Employees will then get a fourth day starting February 1 and add an extra day at the start of each month up to a maximum of 10 days per year.
The federal Liberals made the promise during the 2021 election campaign, during which parties were grappling with how best to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan held a press conference Thursday alongside representatives from Unifor and the Canadian Labor Congress to mark the occasion.
The minister acknowledged that union leaders and the NDP have been calling for this measure “for some time”.
He applauded MPs from all parties in the House of Commons for voting unanimously in favor of this proposal last year.
Canadian Labor Congress President Bea Bruske stressed that the labor movement would now push the provinces to pass similar legislation, and Mr O’Regan revealed he had already pushed the provinces to do so.
“I’ve spoken to my provincial and territorial counterparts and I’ve certainly advocated for it,” he said, adding that he respects provincial jurisdictions.
Last week, the federal government announced that it was extending EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks.
Ms. Bruske added that the labor movement will continue to work with the federal government on its priorities, including comprehensive employment insurance reform as well as anti-scab legislation.