Manitoba announces new COVID-19 sick leave program

In advance of new restrictions anticipated to be announced later today, the Manitoba government has announced a new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program to provide direct financial assistance to help fill gaps between federal programming and current provincial employment standards for paid sick leave.

Effective today, the new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID-19 related sick leave, which do not have to be taken consecutively. 

Eligible sick leave related to COVID-19 includes testing, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms, or care for a loved one in any of the previously mentioned circumstances.  The program will be in effect from May 7, 2021 until at least September 25, 2021 to coincide with the federal and other provincial programs.

Full and part-time employees are eligible to receive the benefit, however employers who currently provide paid sick leave to their employees would not be eligible.  RCC will be working to get this changed as it is our view that employees should be eligible for the government’s program even in the event where they have used paid sick days prior to May 7, 2021.

The program will be administered through an online application tool, with the application form available starting Friday, May 14, 2021. An employer can apply after the end of their regular pay period (2 weeks), with direct deposit payments administered on a weekly basis.