December 1, 2022 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Last year, the Government of Canada committed to providing 10 days of paid sick leave for workers in the federally regulated private sector. Access to paid sick leave keeps workers safe while ensuring that they do not lose pay- because no one should have to choose between staying home when they're sick or paying their bills.
Today, Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan Jr., announced that 10 days of paid sick leave (medical leave with pay) is now a reality in all federally regulated private sector workplaces. As of today, the legislation and the final regulations, available online, are now in force. The Minister met with workers at the Ottawa VIA Rail train station to mark the announcement.
This is a significant milestone that represents a permanent change to the Canada Labour Code. It will empower workers to prioritize their health and will improve working conditions for the nearly 1 million workers in the federally regulated private sector. Among other things, having access to paid sick leave is expected to reduce the number of days workers show up to work sick, reduce the spread of illness in the workplace, and help Canadians recover from illness faster.
Workers who have been continuously employed for at least 30 days will have access to their first three days of paid sick leave as of December 31, 2022. Starting on February 1, 2023, workers will acquire a fourth day of paid sick leave and will continue to accumulate one day of paid sick leave on the first day of each month following, up to a maximum of 10 days per year. To support employers in the implementation of these changes, the Labour Program has been hosting information sessions and has made guidance material available online. Stakeholders are also encouraged to contact the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help understanding and implementing these important changes.
As of December 18, 2022, the maximum length of unpaid medical leave will also be extended. It is being increased from 17 to 27 weeks to align with the extension of the Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks.
