The Government of Alberta has shared that the maximum length of long-term illness and injury leave will be changing from 16 to 27 weeks per year effective January 1, 2026.

Changes Taking Place

Currently, under the Alberta Employment Standards Code (the “Code”), an eligible employee can take up to 16 weeks of long-term illness and injury leave per calendar year. Starting on January 1, 2026, eligible employees will be able to take up to 27 weeks of leave per calendar year. This change aligns with other provinces in Canada that have recently moved to a 27-week standard.

Insight for Employers

This change does not impact any other aspects of long-term illness and injury leave under the Code. The requirement that employees work for at least 90 days prior to receiving long-term illness and injury leave under the Code still applies, as does the requirement that employees provide a medical certificate to their employer.

If an employee started their leave prior to January 1, 2026, the length of the employee’s leave can be adjusted. If the new end date of the leave goes beyond the date on the medical certificate provided to the employer, a new medical certificate must be provided.

In light of these changes, we recommend that employers review and update their policies, procedures, and payroll practices to ensure compliance by January 1, 2026.

Prepared with the assistance of Mathews Dinsdale Articling Student, Keira Ostrosser. 

If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact any member of the Mathews Dinsdale team