Return-to-work process, mandatory regular workers' compensation system review also being introduced
Nova Scotia is planning to provide up to six months of sick leave for workers dealing with serious illness or injury, to align with the federal government’s employment insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
Under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, which the government recently introduced, workers will also have five unpaid sick leave days for general illness.
That is in addition to the three unpaid days for medical appointments and family illness leave that is currently allowed under the province’s Labour Standards Code.
“I’m proud that, as a government, we can implement solutions that will make a meaningful difference for workers and for their families, now and for generations to come,” said Jill Balser, minister of labour, skills and immigration.
Previously, Ontario’s consultation on possible amendments to its Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that provide up to 27 weeks of job-protected leave to workers came to a close.
Expanding job protection in Nova Scotia
The change in Nova Scotia will be a big help to a lot of workers, said Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society.
“Nearly 40 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer are in their working years, ages 20 to 64. That means cancer often comes at a time when expenses are high, and others are depending on you. There are already enough worries that come with a cancer diagnosis; wondering if you have a job to come back to shouldn't be one of them.
“The government of Nova Scotia is demonstrating strong leadership for expanding job protection for those with serious illnesses to 27 weeks. We know that cancer doesn’t wait – but your job should.”
A lot of employees did not have access to paid sick leave (PSL) nearly three decades ago and many are still left waiting for this benefit, according to Statistics Canada.
Review of workers’ compensation system
Nova Scotia is also implementing reviews of the workers’ compensation system every five years, and a return-to-work process that will help the employer and employee from the time a worker is injured until they return to “suitable and meaningful work,” said the government.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour supports the change, said its president, Danny Cavanagh.
“Injured workers would experience several benefits from improved awareness and understanding of the workers’ compensation system. With a better understanding of their rights and the processes involved, injured workers can make more informed decisions regarding their claims, treatment options and return-to-work strategies.”
Peter McLellan, spokesperson, Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia Stakeholders Coalition, also had positive words about the changes being introduced.
“While the proposed changes have not been reviewed by the coalition, I believe the changes proposed by Labour, Skills and Immigration are very good first steps and am pleased that government is taking prompt action on the recommendations of the review committee, while there is much more to be done.
“The coalition will, of course, want to review the legislation in more detail, but the changes look very positive. Significant action is urgently required by WCB to reduce the duration of claims, and these changes will help to achieve that objective.”
Recently, a review of the system at the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia called for some improvements within the system to better support workers.
