Federal paid COVID-19 sick days included in Safe Restart Agreement
July 17, 2020
The federal government announced it is providing $19 billion to the provinces and territories to help cover some of their budgetary costs over the next six to eight months as they reopen and prepare for a possible second wave of COVID-19.
$1.1 billion of the funding will go towards the creation of a temporary national sick leave program, which will provide 10 days of paid sick leave to those who don’t already have it through their employers. The federal government program seems to be a step in the right direction as it will help shoulder some of the financial burden faced by retailers and businesses when a worker experiences a COVID-19-related illness and is a result in part, from a request made by RCC. RCC will keep members informed as details of the program are released.
