On April 24, 2025, the government of Québec introduced Bill 101: An Act to improve certain labour laws, which is effective on October 28, 2025, regarding the following:
- New leave for Emergency & Public Health
Employees have the right to be absent from work due to circumstances related to a public health emergency (for example, pandemic, natural disasters, or states of emergency declared by the government).
- Expanded reservist leave entitlement
The length of continuous employment required to qualify for reservist leave has been reduced from 12 months to three months, broadening access for newer employees.
The maximum length of reservist leave has been extended to 24 months within a 60-month period, offering greater flexibility for ongoing recovery or multiple periods of service.
Reservists leave now applies not only to offshore deployments but also to participation in a treatment or rehabilitation program resulting from military activity, whether the injury or condition is mental or physical.
- Increased Administrative Penalties
The Bill also replaces Articles 139 to 142.1, increasing the amount of fines applicable to violations of the Act. The amendments aim to strengthen compliance and deter non-conformance with labour standards requirements.
Employers should do the following.
- Ensure their absence management policies align with this new entitlement and that contingency plans are in place to manage workforce absences during emergency situations.
- Update internal leave policies, HR systems, and employee handbooks to reflect the new eligibility and duration rules. Supervisors and HR staff should also be trained to recognize and appropriately process requests for reservist leave, including those related to rehabilitation.
- Review their compliance practices to avoid exposure to higher penalties.