On April 28, 2021 the Ontario Government announced that they are seeking to implement legislation that, if passed, would temporarily provide employees with up to three paid sick days.
As announced, the Program would require employers to pay their employees up to $200.00 a day for up to three days if the employee is missing work due to COVID-19. Employers would then be reimbursed by the Ontario Government through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”). The Program is expected to be administered by the WSIB and apply retroactively, starting from April 19, 2021, and will expire on September 25, 2021.
Although details of the proposed legislation have not yet been released, it appears employees may qualify for the program if they are:
- sick with COVID-19;
- experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; or
- need to get vaccinated.
This article provides an overview of the Ontario News Release. As noted, we have not received a copy of the proposed legislation. Once draft legislation has been released, we will provide a more detailed overview of the proposed Program.
If you have any questions about this matter, other COVID-19 related issues, or would like any other workplace law assistance, please contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s COVID-19 website resources.
