COVID-19: Special Leave Provisions
As a result of COVID-19, the federal government and many provincial governments have amended employment standards legislation to provide for COVID-19 related leaves of absence. This chart summarizes those provisions and is current to April 17, 2020.
COVID-19: Special Leave Provisions Across Canada
Federal
As of March 25, 2020, and until September 30, 2020, employees are not required to obtain a medical certificate in order to exercise their entitlement to compassionate care leave, critical illness leave, or medical leave. Employees working in a federally regulated workplace are entitled to up to 16 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave if they are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19. For example, employees may take this leave if they are:
- being quarantined or asked to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19
- being required to provide care to a family member as a result of COVID-19, or
- otherwise unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19.
To take this leave, employees must:
- provide their employer with written notice, as soon as possible, of the reason for the leave and the length of leave they intend to take, and
- notify their employer in writing, as soon as possible, of any changes to the length of their leave.
Note: This leave is temporary and is not retroactive. On October 1, 2020, this leave will be repealed, but a modification to the existing medical leave will come into force on that date which will allow a leave of absence of up to 16 weeks due to quarantine.
Download >> COVID-19: Special Leave Provisions (Current To April 17, 2020)
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.