Gatineau: Changes to Canada Labour Code to provide better work-life balance and strengthen workplace standards in federally regulated workplaces came into effect on September 1, 2019.
Among other things, these changes will make it easier:
- To take time off to care for a sick loved one,
- Will deliver quicker access to maternity and parental leave, and
- Will provide paid leave days to workers dealing with family violence
Better working conditions and work-life balance lead to increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and enhanced recruitment and retention. This is good for both business and workers. These changes will also support higher participation of women in the workforce, lead to greater gender equality, and improve working conditions for vulnerable workers.
“The nature of work is changing, and a modern set of federal labour standards that reflect today’s workplace realities will better protect Canadian workers and help set the stage for good-quality jobs. Modern labour standards that reflect today’s workplace realities are also good for employers and our economy, because when we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and to succeed, we create inclusive economic growth. That means that fewer Canadians are left behind and we are all better off,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.
Quick Facts
Federal labour standards apply to the federally regulated private sector, as well as to most federal Crown corporations and certain activities on First Nations reserves.
Amendments coming into force on September 1, 2019 to help workers achieve better work‑life balance include, among others:
- new leaves such as personal leave of up to 5 days, including 3 days with pay, and leave for victims of family violence of up to 10 days with 5 days paid;
- leave for traditional Indigenous practices of up to 5 unpaid days;
- unpaid leave for court or jury duty;
- expanded bereavement leave from 3 to 5 days, 3 of them paid;
- improved access to many existing leaves (e.g. critical illness, death/disappearance of a child and reservist leave) and general holiday pay by eliminating length of service requirements;
- increased annual vacation entitlements (3 weeks after 5 years of service, 4 weeks after 10 years of service);
- new breaks and rest periods (medical and nursing breaks, work breaks); and
- medical leave (covering personal illness or accident, organ/tissue donation and medical appointments).
For a complete list of changes, please consult the backgrounder on flexible work arrangements and modernizing labour standards.