Employees who work in a federally regulated company will be able to gradually benefit from a maximum of 10 days of paid sick leave, starting on December 1.
The announcement of these 10 days of paid sick leave was made last year, during amendments to the Canada Labor Code. On Monday, the federal Minister of Labor, Seamus O’Regan, provided clarification on this subject, by presenting a final version of the regulation which frames these provisions.
Thus, on December 31, employees who have worked continuously for at least 30 days will have access to their first three days of paid sick leave.
And starting February 1, employees will accumulate a fourth day of paid sick leave. They will continue to accumulate one day each following month, up to a maximum of 10 days per year.
Businesses affected are those under federal regulation, such as banks, radio and television broadcasting, airlines, telecommunications, railways, shipping and postal services.
According to the Federal Ministry of Labor, these provisions concern 19,000 employers, for which 945,000 employees work in the country.
This is a minimum standard. In cases where an employment contract provides for more generous provisions, these will continue to apply.
“One of the most important lessons that COVID-19 has taught us is that when you’re sick, you stay home. Workers should not face any consequences for making a good decision. 10 days paid leave means they won’t have to,” Minister O’Regan said in a statement.