On March 20, the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec simultaneously introduced proposed legislation that would make several changes to their respective labour laws.
Both provinces are proposing changes with the intent to make life easier for individuals, families, as well as for employers, while including red tape reduction initiatives and opportunities for modernization. The changes reflect a scaled down version of what other provinces across Canada have recently adopted, including:
Manitoba
- Extending parental leave from 37 weeks to 63 weeks to care for a new child in the family;
- Establishing a new 17-week leave to allow employees to care for an adult, critically ill family member; and
- Raising the minimum age for employment from 12 to 13
Quebec
- Workers will be eligible for 3 weeks' vacation after 3 years of employment, rather than 5;
- Employees will be allowed to refuse to take a shift should their work schedule not be posted at least 5 days in advance;
- In some cases, workers will also be able to take a longer leave of absence;
- Persons taking 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a loved one will now be eligible to take 16 weeks, and as long as 36 weeks should the loved one be a minor;
- Should the illness be potentially fatal, the absence could be extended to 104 weeks.
- Agencies recruiting temporary foreign workers will need a permit and will be prohibited from withholding workers' documents.
CFA will continue to monitor and respond to each province's proposed legislation and will keep members apprised of their progress.
Should you have any questions, concerns or comments, please don't hesitate to contact Ryan Eickmeier, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy at
[email protected]
or by phone at 416-695-2896 ext. 297.
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