N.S. labour code changes to include up to 6 months leave for serious illnesses

Nova Scotians who have a serious illness and need to take time off work will have their jobs protected for at least six months once changes introduced Thursday at the provincial legislature are brought into force.

Labour Minister Jill Balser has tabled amendments to the Labour Standards Code that will allow for up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illnesses.

"Employees shouldn't have to worry about anything but getting better," Balser told reporters at a briefing to outline the changes. "Eligible employees will have the job protection they need so they can focus on recovery."

Balser said the changes will "make our province better." Employees will be able to access employment insurance benefits while on leave.

The Canadian Cancer Society, which has been lobbying for this kind of job protection for years, lauded the Houston government for making the change.

"It's a very important measure and we're very proud and happy to see Nova Scotia lead Canada in tabling legislation today," said Heather Mulligan of the Canadian Cancer Society.

She said 40 per cent of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 20 and 64.

"Those are prime years when you're focusing on building your career, planning for retirement, paying down debts, purchasing your home and supporting your family," Mulligan continued.

"Whether or not you have a job to return to after [a diagnosis] shouldn't be a consideration, so we're very happy with today's legislation."

Workers' compensation system to be reviewed

Other changes in the bill include:

• Offering eight, unpaid sick days instead of three. Under the code, these sick days can be used to care for an ill family member, or for medical, dental or similar appointments for the employee or a family member.  
• Enshrining a return-to-work process for employees receiving workers' compensation benefits, a measure recommended last week by a review committee.
• Making a review of the workers' compensation system mandatory every five years.

The CEO of the Workers' Compensation Board, Karen Adams, called the creation of a back-to-work process for injured workers the most significant change yet to come as a result of the review.

"Until such time as the injured worker is fully recovered and can do his or her regular job, they can be accommodated in some other form of work that is meaningful," said Adams.

Penalties for non-compliance that are already in the provincial Workers' Compensation Act will apply to the new return-to-work process, said a spokesperson for the Labour Department in an email.