The Canadian government is extending sick leave under the Employment Insurance system from 15 to 26 weeks effective December 18. .“Our government has been clear: Canadians should have the supports they need to look after themselves and their families while recovering from an illness or injury,” said Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough in a Friday press release. .“That’s why we’re working hard to build a more flexible and inclusive EI program for the 21st century.”.The release said the change to EI sickness benefits will provide about 169,000 Canadians per year with additional time and flexibility to recover after an illness, injury, or quarantine. It said people who qualify and establish a new claim after December 18 will be able to receive up to 26 weeks of sickness benefits if they are ill and need time to recover. .Sickness benefits are paid at 55% of the applicant’s average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount of $638 for 2022..The release went on to say the maximum length of unpaid medical leave available to federally-regulated private sector employees will be increased from 17 to 27 weeks under the Canada Labour Code to align with this change. It said the change will come into effect on the same date as the extension of the EI benefits and ensures these workers can take an unpaid job-protected leave while receiving help. .“Canadians should not have to choose between their health and their paycheque,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. .“Today, we are fulfilling an important commitment that will allow those who are dealing with a health issue to take the time to recover.”.Sickness benefits are designed as a short-term income replacement measure and will continue to complement a range of other supports available to Canadian workers for long-term illnesses and disabilities. These include the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit, private and employer insurance benefits, and provincial and territorial supports. .The release said the extension is part of the Canadian government’s plan to reform EI. The Canadian government began a two-year consultation on EI reform in 2021 to build a more flexible, fairer, and better-suited program for the needs of today's workers..Qualtrough said these measures are “making sure that workers across Canada are supported in the best way possible.” .“Extending EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks will provide workers in Canada with the time and flexibility they need to recover and return to work,” she said. .Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s office said in January people such as truck drivers would abuse paid sick leave. .READ MORE: Liberal cabinet minister’s office claimed truckers would abuse sick leave.“Providing all 10 days of medical leave with pay up front could impose costs on employers in high turnover industries, such as road transportation, where employees change employers frequently,” said O’Regan’s staff..“By accumulating paid leave throughout the year, new and departing employees would receive days of medical leave with pay for the months they are with a particular employer.”
