Amendments to the ESA BC Sick Leave Provisions

Further to our post earlier this year, as of January 1, 2022, provincially regulated employers in BC must now provide at least 5 paid days per year to employees (plus 3 unpaid days) for the purpose of illness or injury.

In order to standardize employee entitlement regardless of start date, the Employment Standards Act in BC has been amended so this leave now aligns with the calendar year rather than employment year. The total number of days remains at 5, and employees are eligible after their 3-month probationary period.

The clause relating to collective agreements has also been amended to ensure no employees are excluded.

These changes are now in effect and have been updated on the ESA website.

Jouta’s HR Consultants can help you update your leave policies and provisions to align with legislation.