Story perspectives

BC Introduces 27 Weeks Unpaid Leave for Illness, Violence

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

British Columbia plans to amend the Employment Standards Act to provide up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for workers facing catastrophic illnesses or injuries, to be taken intermittently with a medical certificate.
Premier David Eby says this change would help people undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy focus on recovery without job insecurity.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside notes protections would extend to survivors of intimate partner violence.

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Story summary

British Columbia plans to amend the Employment Standards Act to provide up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for workers facing catastrophic illnesses or injuries, to be taken intermittently with a medical certificate.
Premier David Eby says this change would help people undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy focus on recovery without job insecurity.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside notes protections would extend to survivors of intimate partner violence.