How you can show your support for 10 paid sick days

We all know the crucial role that paid sick days play in keeping people safe and healthy, especially during a pandemic. Our joint efforts have made paid sick days a key federal election issue, with both the NDP and the Liberal Party pledging to legislate 10 paid sick days through the Canada Labour Code.

Both parties have also promised to meet with provinces to encourage paid sick days legislation across Canada. Provincial legislation that enacts 10 permanent paid sick days through the Employment Standards Act is the only way we can ensure safety and access for the majority of workers.

Federal policy sets the standard for provinces so we must elect decent work champions. With only three days left before Election Day, we need to keep up the momentum and let all federal candidates know that paid sick days should be a priority once in office. Here are some of the questions we can ask candidates. 

If we want to thank essential workers for getting us through this pandemic, we need to make sure our politicians support decent work demands.

British Columbia is legislating paid sick days! 

After immense pressure from the labour movement and health experts, the BC government has agreed to legislate paid sick days that will take effect starting January 1, 2022. 

As the government consults businesses and workers on the development of the program, research indicates that there is overwhelming support for 10 paid sick days that are employer-paid in BC. 

A new report from the BC Federation of Labour shows that over 86% of British Columbians support 10 paid sick days that are employer-paid. Nearly 9 in 10 British Columbians agree that businesses have a responsibility for providing paid sick leave to their employees.

The evidence is clear that guaranteeing access to 10 employer-paid permanent paid sick days is an effective way to keep the public safe and healthy in British Columbia and across the country. Read more insights from the report here. 

You can send a message to your MPP with our tool. Thank you! Please consider sharing it with your networks.

Thanks again for being part of this important fight. I hope you will be able to attend the upcoming Justice for Workers meeting taking place Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm (click here to register). Also, if you are interested in getting more involved please let us know.

In solidarity,

Gaibrie Stephen, MD, CCFP(EM)
DWHN Member