The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan has introduced legislation that would provide unpaid compassionate care leave and improve job protection for Manitobans returning to the workplace from compassionate care, maternity or parental leave. "Manitoba's workers must have the right to take advantage of maternity and parental leave options without the fear of placing their jobs at risk," said Allan. "The introduction of unpaid compassionate care leave will help Manitobans respond to critical family health situations. This measure will allow individuals to take advantage of federal programs and avoid financial hardship during these difficult times." The provincial legislation would reduce the vulnerability of employees returning to work from maternity, parental or unpaid compassionate leave. It would provide a process for individuals who believe their rights have been violated to seek resolution. The amendment would enable the provincial Employment Standards Branch to investigate complaints and, if necessary, issue an order to reinstate or compensate for loss. Decisions could be appealed by either party to the Manitoba Labour Board. Under the proposed amendments for compassionate care leave: a person would be eligible for eight weeks of leave in a 26-week period; a person would have to be employed at least 30 calendar days to be eligible; the leave could be broken into two periods; the employee would be required to provide a medical certificate from the physician of the ill family member verifying that there is a significant risk of death and that care or support is required; the employee would have to provide notice, if circumstances allow, of at least one pay period or more; and unless otherwise agreed, employees would provide 48 hours notice if they return from the leave earlier than established at the beginning of the leave. Effective Jan. 4, the federal Employment Insurance Act will provide up to six weeks of compassionate care benefits for individuals who leave work to care for a family member who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. The provincial legislation will enable Manitobans to qualify for unpaid time off and apply for the federal benefits. Several jurisdictions across Canada are currently developing similar legislation to access the benefits. "I am very pleased with the unanimous agreement we received on all aspects of this legislation from the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee," said Allan. "For the past four decades, we have been the only Canadian province to have a body dedicated to the successful resolution of labour management issues. Their very quick assessment of this amendment demonstrates their vital role in making Manitoba a great place to work and live."
