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The provincial government is looking for public feedback on B.C.’s new permanent paid sick leave program.
Have your say on B.C.'s permanent paid sick leave
Published 4:40 PDT, Thu August 5, 2021
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B.C. is developing a permanent sick leave program and wants to hear from workers and employers.
"One of the most critical lessons from the pandemic was the importance of people staying home when they are sick, to contain the spread of an illness and keep workplaces productive," said Labour Minister Harry Bains. "But many workers, especially those in lower-paying jobs without benefits, simply can't afford to lose wages by missing work due to illness or personal injury. That's why we are creating a permanent paid sick leave entitlement, and we want to hear from the people who will be most affected."
In addition to reaching out to key stakeholders and Indigenous partners, a public consultation is happening through the government's engagement site.
There will be two phases of consultation:
• Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14)—surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers' needs; and
• Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25)—informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.
"No one should have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages," Bains said. "Paid sick leave is good for businesses, good for workers and good for our communities. By supporting people and businesses, we will help B.C.'s economy recover faster."
This past May, the Employment Standards Act was amended and a temporary COVID-19 paid sick leave program was created, giving workers up to three days of leave through Dec. 31 of this year. The government is also reimbursing employers up to $200 per worker per day, to help cover those wages.
About half of B.C. employees don’t have access to paid sick leave, so more than a million workers will benefit from the new program. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through a regulation, and come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
To participate in the consultation process, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave/
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