The British Columbia government has proposed changes to the province’s Employment Standards Act to allow up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave each year for people facing a “catastrophic” illness or injury. Premier David Eby told a news conference in Victoria that the change would take effect this fall if the bill is passed by his New Democrat […]
An article on amendments to Quebec employment legislation was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Quebec employment legislation introducing unpaid leave for workers impacted by provincial health, disaster orders 2. HOOPP providing menopause-inclusive workplace through benefits, […]
Amid the increase in frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, new employment legislation in Quebec could more effectively support employees working remotely in rural areas that are impacted by these natural disasters, says Sarah-Émilie Dubois, a senior associate in the employment and labour group at Dentons Canada LLP. The legislation, introduced this spring as […]
The Saskatchewan government has passed several amendments to the provincial Employment Act that will impact employers’ leave policies. The amendments include the creation of a new 16-week unpaid interpersonal violence leave in addition to the existing 10-day leave, of which five are paid and five are unpaid. Employers will also no longer be able to […]
Economic uncertainty, including the potential for new U.S. tariffs, is prompting businesses to review their workforce strategies and benefits policies to remain resilient. While employers have no control if or when their products may be subject to tariffs, there are steps that can be taken to be more prepared. Read: Financial markets resilient in wake […]
While Newfoundland and Labrador employees who take three or more consecutive days of sick leave are no longer required to provide their employer with a doctor’s note, it doesn’t mean employers can’t demand evidence of illness or injury, says Tim Young, a St. John’s-based partner at Curtis Dawe Lawyers. “All the legislation does is eliminate […]
In light of upcoming changes to Ontario’s employment leave policies, as well as new requirements for job postings, it’s important for employers to review and update their workplace policies to ensure they’re in line with current legislation, says Larysa Workewych, a senior associate at Dentons Canada LLP. As of June 19, an employee with at […]
The Nova Scotia government has tabled a bill that would significantly increase the amount of unpaid time off for employees who develop a serious illness or are severely hurt on the job. Labour Minister Jill Balser told reporters if the bill becomes law, workers will get up to 27 unpaid weeks off without fear they’ll […]
While innovative benefits such as so-called ‘grandternity’ leave can support employee retention efforts, they’re best implemented through a diversity, equity and inclusion approach that includes similar programs for a wide range of employees, says Sandra Ventin, an associate vice-president at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. “I think [‘grandternity’] has some cachet and it obviously leads […]
U.S. employers are increasing their family and caregiving benefits in 2023, according to a new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. The survey, which polled more than 4,000 employers, found a quarter (25 per cent) said they cover infertility treatments and in vitro fertilization, while five per cent cover egg freezing for non-medical […]