Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
December 5, 2016
Strengthening Employment Supports
Provincial Government Enhancing Compassionate Care Leave
The Provincial Government is announcing enhancements to Compassionate Care Leave under the Labour Standards Act to bring provincial legislation in line with recent changes to the federal Employment Insurance (EI) Program and the Canada Labour Code. Today the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, introduced an amendment to the Labour Standards Act to increase Compassionate Care Leave provisions from eight to 28 weeks.
“This legislation will allow for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to provide care for a gravely ill family member for 28 weeks without having to worry about job security. Our government believes people should not have to choose between work and family during such a difficult time.”
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
In January 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced access to Compassionate Care benefits under the EI Program from six to 26 weeks. In addition, the period during which the leave could be taken was expanded from 26 to 52 weeks. The Federal Government also introduced changes to the Canada Labour Code to provide up to 28 weeks job protection for federally regulated employees, which includes the two-week waiting period that is added to the maximum 26 week compassionate care benefits under the EI program.
“These changes align with government’s commitment to work with and support employers, employees and unions to foster positive employment relations and work environments, which contribute to a stronger workforce and economic growth. I am pleased to announce these important enhancements to Compassionate Care Leave, as it will assist and support workers when their families need it most.”
- Minister Byrne
The Provincial Government amended its own Compassionate Care Leave Policy to allow for extended access to unpaid compassionate care leave to public sector employees who are away from work to provide care or support to a gravely ill family member. Public service employees may be eligible to receive up to 28 weeks of compassionate care leave, in the form of unpaid leave.
For more information, visit www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/labour/ or contact the Labour Standards Division at 729-2742 or toll-free 1-877-563-1063, or email: labourstandards@gov.nl.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- An amendment to the Labour Standards Act will increase Compassionate Care Leave provisions from eight to 28 weeks and the period during which the leave can be taken will expand from 26 to 52 weeks.
- The changes to Compassionate Care Leave will bring provincial legislation in line with recent changes introduced by the Federal Government.
- For more information, visit www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/labour/ or contact the Labour Standards Division at 729-2742 or toll-free 1-877-563-1063, or email: labourstandards@gov.nl.ca.
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Media contact:
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Regan Power Media Relations Manager Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour 709-729-1795, 730-4435 reganpower@gov.nl.ca |
2016 12 05 3:30 p.m.