The provincial government is looking to amend the Employment Standards Act to give British Columbians up to 27 weeks of job-protected medical leave.
The proposed changes would mean people could take as many as 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period to undergo medical treatment and recovery, the province announced Monday (Oct. 20). It would also put B.C. in line with other jurisdictions in Canada, such as Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, which have similar leaves.
Premier David Eby said people should never have to choose between their job and their health.
“This proposed amendment ensures that people with a serious injury or illness have the peace of mind to focus on their recovery, and employers will be better able to retain their skilled talent. This change is about making B.C. a better place to live and work.”
There are currently no provisions under the Employment Standards Act that provide long-term job-protected leave for employees who are unable to work due to their own serious illness or injury, according to the Labour Ministry.
More to come.