Why employers must get up to speed with latest employment law updates
The government of Alberta has introduced a new Labour Statutes Amendment Act that would update the province's bereavement and reservist leaves for employees.
In a statement, the government said the passing of Bill 17 would amend the province's Employment Standards Code and Labour Relations Code to expand bereavement leave that previously only covers losses in the family.
It will now grant would-be parents who experienced miscarriage or stillbirth a total of three days of bereavement leave annually. Eligible employees include biological, adoptive, or surrogates who have been with the same employer for at least 90 days.
Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women, said in a statement that allowing employees who experience miscarriage or stillbirth is an "important step towards creating compassionate communities that better support the balance between life and work for families in this province".
"Allowing individuals time to grieve after a miscarriage, stillbirth or any kind of pregnancy loss is a long overdue change," said Aditi Loveridge, founder and chief executive officer of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre, in a statement.
The three-day unpaid leave may be additional days off to the specified bereavement leave already stipulated in an employee's employment contract. They will not be required to explain their absence, but to give their employers as much notice as possible to take the leave.
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Reservist leave
Meanwhile, Bill 17 also seeks to remove the 20-day limit in unpaid military reservist leave for annual training to recognise the contributions of reservists in the province in times of emergencies and disasters.
It allows reservists who have worked for at least 12 consecutive weeks for the same employer to take as much time as they need to attend annual reservist training by ditching the 20-day limit on annual training for reservist leave.
Carolyn Patton, Alberta chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, welcomed the updated benefit in a statement saying the greater flexibility allows reservists to "pursue their desired career path without having to give up on their dreams."
"Removing the 20-day limit is simply a win-win for Alberta’s reserve force and employers of reservists, as it not only furthers military careers, it also allows for the development of transferable skills that can improve work performance," said Patton.
Premier Jason Kenney, meanwhile, said in a statement that by offering a new job protection will support Albertans in times of great need.
"Miscarriage and stillbirth are heartbreaking situations, and we want to make sure people have time to spend with their families and take care of themselves. Reservists do incredible work to protect Canadians and it is essential their contribution be recognised."
