Bill seeks 10 paid sick days
MLA Trish Altass says workers have to choose between working sick, paying bills
P.E.I.’s Green Opposition has introduced a bill that aims to ensure nonunionized workers can take up to 10 paid sick days per year.
The bill follows years of pressure nationally from labour groups and public health officials as workers in Canada were often faced with the prospect of losing pay for self-isolating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
P.E.I.’s Employment Standards Act currently allows workers one paid sick day per year, but this is only required for workers who have worked in the same position for five consecutive years or more.
The bill was introduced by Green MLA Trish Altass. Speaking to reporters at the legislature on Nov. 10, Altass said access to paid sick days would allow workers to follow the advice of public health officials without facing a financial penalty.
"We know that there are workers on P.E.I. who simply don't have access to enough paid sick days or any, in some cases,” Altass said.
“Unfortunately, COVID has really shown us how important it is for workers to take the time they need when they are sick to get well."
Altass said 10 sick days has been the recommendation of economists and some health-care professionals. She also said that, with COVID-19 isolation requirements due to end this fall, paid sick days may be the only way to ensure workers stay home when sick.
"We have so many Islanders right now who are struggling, who are living paycheque to paycheque,” Altass said.
“They simply cannot afford to take a day off when they are sick when they are not getting paid.”
Last year the federal government changed the Canada Labour Code to allow federally regulated workers access to up to 10 sick days per year.
Altass’ bill would allow unused sick days to be carried over year-over-year. But Altass said these sick days would only accumulate each month and would not allow more than 10 days per year.
The bill would also allow the province to provide temporary financial support to employers “to help them adapt to any increased costs” related to paid sick leave.
The bill also would exempt unionized workers, who likely already have access to some paid sick days. During debate, Altass said this was because of complications between various collective agreements that are currently in place in the province.
During question period on Nov. 10, Altass and other Green colleagues asked Premier Dennis King and almost all ministers whether they would support added sick days.
Green Opposition Leader Peter Bevan-Baker suggested King and Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford share ideologies.
A temporary COVID-19 specific provision in Ontario provides workers with up to three paid sick days in Ontario.
“Do you support more or less paid sick leave than your friend from Ontario?” Bevan-Baker asked.
King said the province is currently reviewing its Employment Standards Act, suggesting paid sick days could be part of that review.
“Where it lands, I’m not sure, but I think we could probably do as good or better than Ontario,” King said.
Debate on the bill is expected to continue.