The New Brunswick government has introduced legislation that would extend job-protected unpaid leave for illness and injury from five days to 27 weeks.
The bill, tabled March 18, would mark a significant change to the province’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), which currently guarantees only five days of job-protected leave in a 52-week period. The proposed change would bring New Brunswick in line with other provinces and federally regulated workplaces, which offer either 26 or 27 weeks of protected leave.
Stuart Edmonds, executive vice-president of mission, research and advocacy with the Canadian Cancer Society, said the change would ease a burden many patients face.
“There are already enough challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, and worrying about whether your job will be there when treatment is done shouldn’t be one of them.”
Who the law covers
The ESA sets minimum conditions of employment in New Brunswick. It covers areas including minimum wage, overtime pay, weekly rest periods, paid public holidays, and various leaves. Employers and employees are free to exceed those minimums.
Jobs that sit closest to minimum standards are typically held by the most vulnerable workers, according to the government. That group includes women, youth, people with disabilities, and foreign and older workers.
Alyson Townsend, minister responsible for labour, said the legislation is aimed at protecting those workers.
“We are ensuring hard-working New Brunswickers, many of the most vulnerable employees in New Brunswick, have their jobs protected when it comes to taking time to recover from illness or injury.”
Broader impact
Edmonds said the move reflects a growing trend across the country.
“By expanding job protection for people facing serious illnesses to 27 weeks, the government of New Brunswick is showing strong, compassionate leadership. This is a critical step forward, reflecting growing momentum across Canada to better support people living with cancer so they can focus on recovery without fear of job loss.”
Townsend echoed the intent behind the bill, saying no worker should have to choose between their health and their job.
“No one should have to put their health at risk because they fear losing their job.”
The legislation must pass before the changes take effect.
