On November 7, 2024, Manitoba's Bill 9, "The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act," received Royal Assent. The bill primarily focused on enhancing leave entitlements for employees dealing with serious illness or injury from 17 weeks to 27 weeks. The following are the key amendments.
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Employees qualify for leave after 90 days of employment.
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The leave must be taken in one continuous period unless otherwise agreed or specified in a collective agreement.
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A physician's certificate is required, with reasonable notice, indicating inability to work for at least two weeks due to serious illness or injury.
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If ending leave early, the employee must provide two weeks' written notice.
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Employer may request a medical certificate confirming fitness to return before the employee resumes work.
Employers should update their policies to reflect these changes and ensure compliance with the amended Employment Standards Code.