Premier Doug Ford and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, announced today that government intends to introduce new legislation that, if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19 as well as those who need to be away from work to care for children due to school or daycare closures.
If passed, the proposed legislation would provide job protection for employees unable to work for the following reasons:
- The employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19.
- The employee is acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
- The employee is in isolation or quarantine.
- The employee is acting in accordance with public health information or direction.
- The employer directs the employee not to work.
- The employee needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such as a school or day-care closure.
The proposed legislation would also ensure that an employee would not be required to provide a medical note for a leave. The measures would be retroactive to Jan. 25, 2020.
“While everyone’s concerns about their health and safety is top of mind, the last thing we need is anyone worrying about job security as the COVID-19 situation evolves,” Premier Ford is quoted as saying in a news bulletin released by the Office of the Premier. “That’s why I directed the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development to draft legislation that will protect workers and their families during this difficult period.”
“Mothers and fathers who need to care for children or dependants shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “The same goes for people who receive medical or public health advice and are required to take precautions as a result. They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job. In this time of uncertainty, we need to support employees who must isolate or quarantine themselves, or who need to care for a loved one.”
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