The Nova Scotia government has tabled a bill that would significantly increase the amount of unpaid leave employees could take if they fall ill.
Labour Minister Jill Balser says her new bill would offer workers up to 27 unpaid weeks off in the event of serious illness or injury, without fear they will lose their jobs.
Currently, workers are permitted up to three unpaid days off, and the new bill adds another five days of unpaid leave for general illness.
Balser says the bill is the product of consultations with the Canadian Cancer Society, adding that it aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions, as well as the federal government’s employment insurance sickness benefit and employment insurance benefit.
Heather Mulligan, manager with the Canadian Cancer Society, says the bill is a “significant step forward” that will give Nova Scotians a stronger social safety net.
The bill also includes reviews every five years to the province’s worker compensation system.
