Vaccination efforts across the country have ramped up significantly. A number of provinces have recently amended existing legislation to allow employees paid time off to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. We provide you with a brief summary of these legislative amendments.
Province |
Legislation | Paid Time Off |
Other Relevant Information |
British Columbia | s. 52.13 of the Employment Standards Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 113 | Up to three hours of paid leave for each request made for leave for the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Alberta | s. 53.9821 of the
Employment Standards Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 113 |
Up to three consecutive hours of paid leave for each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or any longer period if, in the opinion of the employer, the circumstances warrant it. |
We refer you to our legal update on the topic for more information. |
Saskatchewan | s. 6-22.1 of the Occupation Health and Safety Regulations, RRS c S-15.1 Reg 10 | Three consecutive hours or any longer period if, in the opinion of the employer, the circumstances warrant it. | |
Manitoba | Bill 73 amends the Employment Standards Code, C.C.S.M. c. E110 (s. 59.13) | Up to a maximum of three hours for each time the employee is vaccinated.
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Ontario | ss. 50.1 and following of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, SO 2000, c41 | Employees will have up to three days of paid leave (up to $200 per day) because of certain reasons related to COVID-19, including receiving a vaccine against COVID-19 (certain exceptions apply).
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We refer you to our blog on the topic for more information. |
Nova Scotia | COVID-19 Sick Leave Program
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Employees who can’t work remotely and miss less than 50% of their scheduled work time in a 1-week period due to COVID-19, which includes going to get vaccinated, may be eligible for up to four sick days (up to $20 per hour or $160 per day) |
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Prince Edward Island | COVID-19 Special Leave Fund | Employees without a paid sick leave program at work and who miss less than 50% of their scheduled work time in a 1-week period due to COVID-19, which includes attending a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, may be eligible for up to three sick days on up to two separate occasions (up to $20 per hour or $160 per day) |
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Note that a private member’s bill was introduced in Quebec allowing employees to be absent for a minimum of four consecutive hours, with no reduction in pay; this bill has not passed first reading.
Changes to legislation allowing employees to receive paid time-off in order to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have developped rapidly in recent weeks. We will keep you updated on any new development, including whether similar amendments are adopted in other provinces.