British Columbia has strengthened protections for workers facing serious illness or injury. Amendments to the Employment Standards Act now allow eligible employees to take up to twenty-seven weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a twelve-month period. This gives workers more time to focus on medical treatment and recovery without fear of losing their jobs.
To access the leave, employees must be unable to work for at least seven consecutive days and provide a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner stating the dates when leave is needed. Employers are legally required to ensure eligible staff can take this leave, and updated resources are available to help workplaces adjust policies and procedures.
These changes bring B.C. in line with other Canadian provinces and work alongside federal Employment Insurance sickness benefits, providing both job security and financial support for workers during challenging health situations. The Employment Standards Branch has published guides and information to help both employers and employees understand the new rules and navigate the process.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the B.C. government’s Employment Standards website.
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