Bereavement leave in BC gives eligible employees up to three unpaid, job-protected days off following the death of an immediate family member. You can use the time to grieve, attend a funeral or handle matters related to the death.
The days don’t have to be consecutive, and your employer can’t refuse the leave simply because the workplace is busy.
💡 Bereavement leave in BC: Up to three unpaid days per qualifying death. No minimum employment period. The days don’t have to be consecutive, and your job is protected.
On This Page
- How Many Days Do You Get?
- Which Family Members Qualify?
- Is Bereavement Leave Paid?
- Requesting Leave
- Can Your Employer Refuse or Fire You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Bereavement Leave Days Do You Get in BC?
Under BC’s Employment Standards Act, eligible employees can take up to three unpaid days for each qualifying death. There is no minimum length of employment required.
You can use the leave to grieve, attend a funeral or deal with arrangements following the death. The three days don’t have to be taken consecutively.
Your employer may offer additional time off through your employment contract or workplace policy.
Which Family Members Qualify for Bereavement Leave in BC?
Bereavement leave applies when a member of your immediate family dies. Qualifying family members include:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Parent or step-parent
- Child or step-child
- Brother or sister
- Grandparent or grandchild
- Guardian
- Someone who lives with you as a member of your family
More distant relatives and friends aren’t automatically covered. However, your employer may provide broader bereavement benefits.
Is Bereavement Leave Paid in BC?
No. BC’s minimum bereavement leave entitlement is unpaid. Employers can offer paid bereavement leave through employment contracts, workplace policies or collective agreements.
Check your employment agreement or employee handbook to see whether you qualify for paid days or additional time off.
How Do You Request Bereavement Leave?
Tell your employer about the death and the days you need off. Give notice as soon as reasonably possible and keep a written record of your request.
Your employer can ask for reasonable proof of the death and your relationship to the deceased. This could include a funeral notice, obituary or other relevant documentation.
You don’t need to take all three days at once.
Can Your Employer Refuse Bereavement Leave or Fire You?
Your employer must provide bereavement leave when you qualify. They can’t legally fire you or change your employment conditions because you take protected leave.
When your leave ends, you must be returned to your previous position or a comparable one.
⚠️ Fired or pressured to resign after taking bereavement leave? You may have legal options. Don’t resign or sign a severance offer before understanding your rights. Have your severance package reviewed first.
Bereavement Leave BC: FAQs
Do You Get Three Bereavement Days Per Year or Per Death?
Per qualifying death. If two immediate family members die in the same year, you can qualify for up to three unpaid days for each death.
Does Bereavement Leave Include Weekends?
Bereavement leave covers days you need away from work. The three-day entitlement doesn’t have to be taken consecutively.
Can You Take More Than Three Days?
Your employer may approve additional time off, paid or unpaid. Depending on your circumstances, other protected leave or accommodation rights may apply. See our BC leave of absence guide.
Is Bereavement Leave Different From Compassionate Care Leave?
Yes. Bereavement leave applies following a death. Compassionate care leave in BC provides extended time off to care for or support a seriously ill family member who faces a significant risk of death.
Do Federally Regulated Employees in BC Have Different Rights?
Yes. Employees covered by the Canada Labour Code have separate bereavement leave entitlements, including paid leave for qualifying employees. See the federal leave rules.
Fired or Denied Bereavement Leave in BC?
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees facing denied protected leave, workplace discipline and wrongful dismissal.
Before you sign, always check first.
➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.