Government of Canada Announces Draft Regulations on Paid Sick Leave; Comments Due August 15

Published July 18, 2022

The Government of Canada announced draft regulations that will support implementation of paid sick leave are now available online for comment in Part I of the Canada Gazette. Employers, employer representatives, unions, workers, and other key stakeholders are invited to share their feedback on the proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (Medical Leave with Pay).

On December 17, 2021, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code (Bill C-3) received Royal Assent. The bill amends Part III of the Canada Labour Code to provide 10 days of paid sick leave to federally regulated private sector workers.

The Government is looking for feedback on various elements of the new paid sick leave provisions:
  • The regular rate of wages for employees who are not paid on the basis of time or who work irregular hours;
  • The eligibility for paid sick leave for employees who have multiple employers; and
  • The enforcement mechanism and promotion of compliance with the new provisions.

Comments are due August 15, 2022.

Following the consultation period, the regulations will be finalized and published in Part II of the Canada Gazette in the fall. They are currently planned to come into force on December 1, 2022, along with the legislation.