Federal Government Extends COVID-19 Related Leaves

As a way of streamlining the extension of the number of weeks for eligibility for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the federal government announced it would also extend COVID-19 related leaves. Eligibility for CERB was extended from 16 to 24 weeks, which is now mirrored in COVID-19 related leaves in federally regulated workplaces. The goal of CERB was to stabilize the economy and provide an income for workers who were impacted by the pandemic, while the leaves ensure workers have access to job-protected leaves.

CERB is scheduled to expire on Oct.3,2020, and COVID-19 related leaves expire on Oct.1, 2020 when the legislation is expected to be repealed.

COVID19 related leaves were designed to help workers who were;

• quarantined or asked to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19;
• required to provide care to a family member as a result of COVID-19; or
• otherwise unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19.