Press Release
Ontario will be taking steps to protect the jobs of working Ontarians who need to care for seriously-ill or injured loved ones.
The McGuinty government intends to introduce legislation tomorrow that would, if passed, recognize the importance of family and job security, and would build on the existing Family Medical Leave to provide up to eight weeks of unpaid job leave for employees to provide care and support to a sick or injured family member.
Whether it is a young child spending time in the hospital or an elderly parent suffering a broken hip, caregivers would be able to focus their attention on what matters most—providing care and support to their loved one—without the fear of losing their job.
Ontario also is calling on its federal partners to extend Employment Insurance to those who take advantage of Family Caregiver Leave, just as they do when Ontarians take Family Medical Leave.
The proposed legislation is part of the McGuinty government’s commitment to ensure that families across Ontario have the support they need when they need it most.
“The one thing working Ontarians need most when it comes to caring for seriously-ill or injured family members is the time to be with their loved one,” said Labour minister Linda Jeffrey.
“This proposed Family Caregiver Leave is a matter of compassion, and the right thing to do for Ontario families,” she stressed.
“When a family member is sick, home is where they want to be,” noted Health and Long-term Care minister Deb Matthews.
“Being cared for at home can enhance recovery from illness or injury, reduce strain on our hospitals, and is overall more comfortable for patients.”
The proposed legislation would, if passed, be separate from the current Family Medical Leave, which is available when a family member has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within 26 weeks.
A doctor’s note would be required to qualify for Family Caregiver Leave.
