The Manitoba government has proposed significant changes to the province’s Employment Standards Code, aiming to extend long-term leave for serious injury or illness from 17 to 27 weeks. This change is intended to align with the federal government’s adjustments to employment insurance (EI) benefits, as stated by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
Under the new legislation, Manitoba workers facing serious health issues would gain increased flexibility and time off work, aligning with the EI benefit period adjustments made by the federal government in 2022. “When Manitoba workers get sick or injured, they shouldn’t have to choose between getting well and putting food on the table,” Minister Marcelino emphasized, highlighting the importance of the bill in offering workers the necessary time to focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial instability.
Previously, changes at the federal level increased EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks and adjusted the maximum duration of unpaid medical leave for federally regulated employees to 27 weeks under the Canada Labour Code. However, this left a discrepancy as Manitoba’s legislation lagged, restricting residents from accessing the full range of federal benefits.
The proposed amendments aim to close this gap by ensuring that all Manitoba workers are eligible for up to 27 weeks of unpaid protected leave, thereby enabling them to utilize the full benefits offered by the extended EI sickness benefits. Employees will qualify for this leave after a minimum employment period of 90 days with the same employer.
While the long-term leave for serious injury or illness remains unpaid, as dictated by the provincial Employment Standards Code, the move allows employers the option to provide more substantial support beyond the minimum standards. This legislative update is set to offer better protection and support for workers across Manitoba during challenging times of illness or injury.
