Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
December 8, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour:

Minister Acknowledges Enhancements to Compassionate Care Leave

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend all members of this House for unanimously passing Bill 53, an Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act, to increase Compassionate Care Leave provisions from eight to 28 weeks.

Our government believes people should not have to choose between work and family during such a difficult time. This important form of leave allows family members to care for a gravely ill family member and not have to worry about job security during this very difficult time in their lives.

These enhancements have brought provincial legislation in line with recent changes to the federal Employment Insurance (EI) Program and the Canada Labour Code. In January 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced access to Compassionate Care benefits under the EI Program from six to 26 weeks and adjusted the time in which leave can be taken from 26 to 52 weeks. Changes were also made to the Canada Labour Code to provide up to 28 weeks job protection for employees under federal jurisdiction, which includes the two-week waiting period that is added to the maximum 26 week compassionate care benefits under the EI program.

These changes also 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.

Mr. Speaker, this important change in legislation will have a positive impact on the people of our province during challenging times. I would like to acknowledge the unanimous support by all my Honourable colleagues in process of passing this legislation and I would encourage all members to assist in sharing information about these important workplace enhancements with their constituents during the holiday season. You deservedly can take a certain amount of satisfaction with your own role in delivering these important improvements to the lives of people of our province.

Thank you.

2016 12 08             2:00 p.m.