On October 20, 2025, the British Columbia (B.C.) government introduced Bill 30 – Employment Standards (Serious Illness or Injury Leave) Amendment Act, 2025, which adds a new type of unpaid leave to the Employment Standards Act.
If the legislation passes, employees in B.C will be entitled to the below.
- Up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave within a 52-week period if they are unable to work due to a serious personal illness or injury.
- A medical certificate from a health professional (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) will be required to support the leave. If additional leave is needed later, a new certificate must be provided.
- Leave must be taken in minimum one-week blocks.
- There is no minimum length of employment required to qualify for this leave at this time. However, the government has the option to introduce an eligibility period through future regulations.
Once this legislation is effective, employers must:
- Review and update leave policies;
- Train HR staff and managers;
- Adjust leave tracking systems;
- Communicate with employees; and
- Seek legal or HR advice as needed.
The National Payroll Institute will monitor these changes and advise its members once the legislation takes effect.