BC Paid Sick Leave Resources for BC Liquor & Cannabis Businesses

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Late in 2021, the BC government announced that paid sick leave will become a standard for BC workers beginning on January 1, 2022. Workers, by law, are eligible for up to five paid sick days each year. BC is the only province in Canada to legislate paid sick days off.

According to the November 24/21 news release from the Office of the Premiere, the Province looked at other jurisdictions that have legislated paid sick time, including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and several European countries. An examination of these revealed that “Their experiences have shown the cost increases for most business were less than expected. They also experienced significant benefits, including increased productivity and retention of trained staff, reduced risks of injury, improved morale and increased labour-force participation.”

Overview of BC Sick Leave Legislation

Employees can take up to 5 days of paid leave per year for personal illness or injury. Employers may request sufficient proof of the illness or injury.

Paid leave entitlement is in addition to 3 days of unpaid sick leave provided by the BC Employment Standards Act.

Employees must have worked for the employer for at least 90 days to be eligible.

Paid sick days do not have to be taken consecutively.

Employers must pay employees their regular wage for each paid sick day.