On behalf of the Ministry of Labour –>
The Ministry of Labour (the Ministry) is seeking feedback from key stakeholders on a proposed 27-week unpaid job protected leave period that aligns with federal Employment Insurance sickness benefits, which were increased in 2022.
As you may be aware, in Fall 2024, an election commitment was made to: “Provide better peace of mind for people with a major medical condition diagnosis like cancer by increasing job protected leave to 27 weeks from the current eight days.”
The attached Engagement Paper sets out the details of the proposed leave and requests your feedback, as well as your thoughts on how the BC Government could ensure its successful adoption by employers.
The Ministry welcomes your views on the attached document byAugust 15, 2025. Please send your written feedback to labour.policy@gov.bc.ca. If you wish to discuss the proposal with Ministry staff, we would be happy to arrange a meeting before August 8.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Many thanks,
Michael Tanner
Executive Director, Labour Policy and Legislation
Ministry of Labour, British Columbia