Based on coverage from CFJC Today, TimesColonist, and Pique News.
British Columbia is taking a significant step forward in worker protection with a proposed amendment to the Employment Standards Act. This change would allow workers facing severe illness or injury to take up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period. The move aims to align B.C.'s standards with those already in place in other Canadian provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec.
New Leave Provisions for Serious Illness
The proposed amendment, which was set to be tabled in the legislature, is designed to fill a gap in the current legislation. As it stands, there are no provisions for long-term leave for employees who cannot work due to serious health issues. While the B.C. Human Rights Code offers some protection against discrimination for those with long-term illnesses or disabilities, this amendment seeks to embed those protections directly into the Employment Standards Act.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside emphasized the importance of job security for individuals diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or heart disease. "When someone receives a challenging diagnosis, they need to know their job is safe while they undergo treatment," Whiteside stated. The leave can be taken in multiple periods, accommodating treatment schedules like chemotherapy or episodic flare-ups from diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
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Impact on Workers and Families
Premier David Eby highlighted the emotional and financial relief this amendment could bring. "Facing a catastrophic health issue is daunting enough without the added worry of job security," Eby remarked. The proposed change would ensure that workers can focus on their recovery without the fear of losing their employment.
The amendment also extends protections to survivors of intimate partner violence, many of whom may suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Whiteside noted that 90% of intimate partner violence cases involve survivors aged 15 to 54, who are often in their prime working years. The guarantee of job protection could encourage these individuals to seek necessary services for recovery without the fear of job loss.
Aligning with National Standards
If passed, the amendment would bring B.C.'s legislation in line with other Canadian jurisdictions and federally regulated industries. This alignment is crucial, given that more than 31,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in B.C., according to Whiteside. The proposed leave would apply to all workers covered by the Employment Standards Act who have a serious illness or injury, requiring them to be unable to work for at least seven consecutive days. To access this leave, employees must provide a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
This legislative change is a vital step in ensuring that workers in B.C. have the support they need during challenging times. By embedding these protections into the Employment Standards Act, the province is not only aligning with national standards but also providing much-needed assurance to workers and their families.
