COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act Receives Royal Ascent

The COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act, 2021 (Bill 284) received Royal Assent from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario on April 29, 2021. The Bill makes a temporary amendment to the Employment Standards Act.

Provincially regulated employers in Ontario must now provide employees with paid leave, for up to 3 days, for the following reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• COVID-19 testing and isolating while waiting for results
• Illness due to COVID-19
• COVID-19 vaccinations, appointments, and side-effects generated by the vaccine
• Self-isolation ordered by an employer, medical professional or other authority
• Providing care and support for a dependent who is ill with COVID-19, shows symptoms of the coronavirus, or must self-isolate

Duration of COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act

The 3-day paid sick leave is retroactively available on April 19, 2021. It ends on September 25, 2021. Employees who want to receive pay for sick days between April 19, 202 and April 29, 2021 need to inform their employer, in writing, before May 14, 2021.

Learn more about Sick Days in Ontario.