On March 20, 2026, the Institute published the introduction of a new long-term illness or injury leave in New Brunswick via the Late Breaking Payroll News.
On June 12, 2026, Bill 26, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, received Royal Assent, allowing employees with serious medical conditions to take up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave (in a 52-week period).
Once the legislation is effective, employers in NB must:
- Update their policies/collective agreement
- Communicate the change to their managers and employees