The new rules on sick leave come into force

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA – Employees of federally regulated private companies are now eligible for 10 days of paid sick leave, after Ottawa lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of the decision last year.

Starting December 31, workers who have been hired continuously for at least 30 days will have access to the first three paid sick days.

Employees will then have a fourth day starting February 1 and add an extra day at the beginning of each month up to a maximum of 10 days per year.

Federal Liberals made the promise during the 2021 election campaign, during which parties grappled with how best to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan held a press conference on Thursday alongside representatives from Unifor and the Canadian Labor Congress to mark the occasion.

The minister acknowledged that union leaders and the NDP have been asking for this measure “for some time”.

He applauded MPs from all parties in the House of Commons for voting unanimously in favor of this proposal last year.

Canadian Labor Congress Chair Bea Bruske said the labor movement would now push provinces to pass similar legislation, and O’Regan said she has already pushed provinces to do so.

“I’ve talked to my provincial and territorial counterparts and I’ve certainly supported that,” he said, adding that he respects provincial jurisdictions.

Last week, the federal government announced the extension of EI sick pay from 15 to 26 weeks.

Ms Bruske added that the labor movement would continue to work with the federal government on its priorities, including comprehensive labor insurance reform and anti-scabies legislation.