Dear Business and Community Leaders,
The Government of Ontario announced a new sick days benefit. Please see the news release,
Key points if the “Putting Workers First Act” passes:
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The province will introduce legislation that, if passed, will offer up to three paid sick days per employee missing work because of COVID-19.
- The province will partner with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to deliver the program and reimburse employers up to $200 per day for each employee.
- This program is designed for employers with no sick time program, employers will have to apply for reimbursement through an online platform, and there is no obligation to pay above $200 if an employee's salary exceeds that amount.
- The Ontario government continues to work with the federal government to further support vulnerable workers by doubling payments made through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit program. If this change is accepted, it would provide an additional $500 per week to eligible individuals for a total of $1,000 per week.
- Employers and their workers can call a dedicated COVID-19 Sick Days Information Centre hotline at 1-888-999-2248 or visit Ontario.ca/COVIDworkerbenefit to get more information and updates about the proposed Ontario COVID-19 paid leave days.
This legislation is a step in the right direction and it’s positive that it doesn’t fall on the backs of small business that have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. It addresses some but not all flaws in the federal program. Our position continues to be that business, particularly small businesses, simply cannot afford the additional financial responsibility to fund sick leave at this time, which is why we support the notion of a temporary paid sick program that is paid for by government for the duration of the pandemic. Any paid sick day program must be fully and immediately accessible to workers who need it with a quick and seamless reimbursement for employers.
Be well. Stay connected. Buy local.
Yours truly,
Sueling
Sueling Ching | President & CEO | Ottawa Board of Trade
