There are a couple provinces in Canada that have introduced a Domestic Violence Leave of Absence. Manitoba was the first province to implement this leave; and its leave consists of 10 days — five of which are paid — as needed in a 52-week period, or 17 weeks taken in one continuous period. Saskatchewan is the most recent province to create the Domestic Violence Leave of Absence and Alberta’s Leave will become effective January 1, 2018.
Ontario has also implemented a privacy law surrounding this leave. An employer cannot discuss the reason an employee is taking the leave.
BC hasn’t invoked this leave yet, but Benefits Canada has mentioned in their article, “What do Canadian provinces offer around domestic violence leave?”, it might not be long before it hits our province.
Please contact Glendinning Insurance Services, your Resource Specialist for up to date information that affects you, the employer.