Proposed update to Labour Standards Act promises greater job security for workers
Newfoundland and Labrador’s government has announced proposed changes to its Labour Standards Act that would significantly strengthen job-protected leave for employees facing serious health issues, injuries, or those who serve in the military.
The changes seek to broaden access to unpaid leave and align reservist leave protections with those offered in other Canadian provinces.
“This proposed update to the Labour Standards Act ensures those workers who have to be off work for extended periods of time can do so without the added burden of worry related to job security,” said Minister of Labour Lisa Dempster.
If the legislation passes, the new provisions would grant workers up to 27 weeks of job-protected leave each year to recover from long-term illness, injury, or for organ donation. For cases where the illness or injury results from a criminal offense, employees would be eligible for up to 104 weeks of leave.
Dempster highlighted the importance of this measure for those needing extended time off for recovery without the stress of potentially losing their jobs.
“Whether a worker needs unpaid time off to recover from illness, injury, or organ donation, or if they’re preparing to serve their country, it is important we recognize the need for job protection during that time.”
The amendments also include enhanced job-protected leave for military reservists, which brings Newfoundland and Labrador closer to national standards for military leave. This provision aims to give reservists greater access to training and development opportunities without risking their civilian employment, while also providing employers with clearer expectations for the duration of these leaves.
The announcement has received praise from health advocacy groups who argue that stronger job protection will be critical for those managing long-term illnesses. Diabetes Canada’s Maria Campbell emphasized the relief this could bring to many affected by chronic health issues in the province.
“For the nearly 75,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living with diabetes, these amendments would provide the critical time to take care of one’s health and ensure that the financial impacts of living with a complex condition are minimized through job protection,” she said.
Similarly, Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, stressed the importance of job stability for individuals with serious illnesses like cancer, a diagnosis that often strikes during peak working years.
“Nearly 40 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer are in their working years, ages 20 to 64,” Seale noted. “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 Newfoundland and Labrador 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.”
