Victoria, BC – Workers in British Columbia facing serious illness or injury will soon have stronger job protection under proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act.
The provincial government announced that employees will be eligible for up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period to undergo medical treatment and recovery.
The change aligns B.C. with other provinces across Canada and with the federal Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits program, which provides financial support during extended medical absences.
“People should never have to choose between their job and their health,” said Premier David Eby. “This amendment ensures workers can focus on their recovery while employers retain skilled talent. It’s about making B.C. a better place to live and work.”
Currently, the Act does not provide long-term job protection for employees unable to work due to serious illness or injury. While the B.C. Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, this amendment would enshrine those protections directly in employment law.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the measure offers peace of mind to thousands of families. “Every British Columbian knows someone affected by a life-changing diagnosis like cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, or Parkinson’s. People need to know their jobs are safe while they focus on getting better,” she said, noting that approximately 31,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in B.C.
The proposed leave can be taken all at once or in multiple segments, allowing flexibility for treatments such as chemotherapy or for workers managing episodic conditions. Employees will need a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner confirming their inability to work and the required leave period.
The Ministry of Labour consulted with employers, worker advocates, and health organizations in developing the legislation, which received broad support across sectors.
If approved, the amendment will mark a significant step toward improving worker security and health equity in British Columbia.
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