Government is developing a paid sick leave entitlement for B.C.’s workers, so employees are able to stay home when sick or injured, without losing wages, for a set number of days each year. Paid sick leave is an important way to reduce workplace transmission of illness, and it supports workers, employers and B.C.’s economic recovery. The new model will come into effect on January 1, 2022.

We are seeking input from workers and employers on what paid sick leave programs are currently available in their workplaces, and what they would like to see as a province-wide minimum standard.

This is a two-phase consultation process, with the first phase consisting of surveys to gather information from employers and workers; and the second phase consisting of an opportunity to comment on the proposed models for providing sick leave in B.C.

Phase One is now complete. Two online surveys were available – one for employers and one for workers. All responses are being compiled and analyzed as a group.

The online surveys closed on September 14, 2021 at 4 pm (PDT)

Phase Two will commence September 22. Informed by the results of the surveys, an Options Paper is being developed which will present a range of possible models for the new paid sick leave entitlement.

The Options Paper will be available for public comment, beginning September 22 until the end of October, 2021.

Feedback from the online surveys will help shape options for a made-in-BC permanent paid illness and injury leave program that will be fair, balanced and reasonable for everyone. A summary of all feedback will be available following the close of the surveys.