The final regulations required to bring 10 days of paid sick leave into force for all federally regulated private sector employers are now available on the Government of Canada website. This permanent change to the Canada Labour Code will take effect on December 1, 2022.

The final regulations outline essential elements of the new paid sick leave provisions and include the following: 

• As of December 31, 2022, employees who have been continuously employed for at least 30 days will have access to their first three days of paid sick leave. As of February 1, 2023, employees will acquire a fourth day and will continue to accumulate one day a month up to a maximum of 10 days per year;
• Employers can request a medical certificate if an employee is absent for five days or more in a row;
• Employees on paid sick leave who are paid on a basis other than time, will be entitled to the regular rate of wages.

The government is to host info sessions in November. Stakeholders are also encouraged to contact the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 with questions. For the Government of Canada news release, please visit their website.