HALIFAX – Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada to fall in line with new federal rules for compassionate care leave, labour and advanced education minister Kelly Regan said Thursday.
The changes, introduced by minister Regan in the legislature, will protect employees’ jobs for up to 28 weeks, unpaid, if they are looking after a family member who has a significant risk of death.
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Previously provincial legislation only protected an employee’s job for eight weeks.
“’Significant risk of death’ is defined as a risk of death within a 26 week time frame,” said Cynthia Yazbek, executive director or Labour Services for the department. A doctor’s certificate will be required for employees hoping to take the leave.
While the leave is unpaid, new federal Employment Insurance rules will allow eligible family members to collect EI for up to 28 weeks while looking after a family member who is at significant risk of death.
Both the federal EI changes and the provincial changes will take effect on Jan. 3.
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The province expects an average of 180 people per year will apply for the compassionate leave.
Bereavement leave extended to five days
Unpaid bereavement days are also being extended from three days to five days for employees dealing with the loss of a close family member.
The change bereavement leave brings Nova Scotia in line with other provinces including New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
“We know that it takes a while to heal from that and you’re probably not at your best if you’re trying to be on the job,” said Regan.
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