BC provides three hours of paid time off to get vaccine

Can I get paid time off to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Full-time and part-time employees in BC are now eligible to get paid time off for up to 3 hours to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Ministry of Labour announced that it has made amendments to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) to provide workers with paid time off. Additionally, the amendments will be retroactive to April 19, 2021. The move seeks to ensure no employee is penalized for attempting to get the life-saving vaccine.

The program is part of a new immunization plan to get as many people vaccinated as possible. The time off will be paid for by the employer.

BC announces Permanent Paid Sick Leave Program

BC also recently announced a permanent paid sick leave program to address concerns that workers are unable  take time off when sick with COVID-19. The program will provide time off to individuals who are symptomatic, in quarantine, or who test positive for COVID-19.

Previously, on April 1, 2021 the BC government enacted a program to provide unpaid leave to workers. This new program is meant to improve existing legislation for unpaid time off to get the vaccine for COVID-19. The amendment to the ESA will remain in effect and will need to be repealed by regulation.

Provinces under pressure to develop paid sick leave program

Recently, Ontario also introduced its own paid sick leave plan to allow workers up to three paid sick days. The program is meant to accommodate workers who are sick or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, who are going to get the vaccine, or who are experiencing mental health issues related to the illness. Ontario’s plan is temporary and will run from April 19 to September 25, 2021.