Ontario extends Worker Income Protection Benefit (WIPB) to year end

Originally announced April 29, 2021, the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit (WIPB) was originally set to end September 25, 2021. The paid infectious disease emergency leave program will now continue until December 31, 2021.

The WIPB includes up to three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) for employees who have to take time off work because of certain reasons related to COVID-19, and an employer reimbursement program.

Eligible employers are entitled to be reimbursed the amount of infectious disease emergency leave pay that they paid to their employees, up to $200 per employee per day taken. Eligible employers must make their application within 120 days of the date the employer paid the employee, or by April 30, 2022, whichever is earlier.