The provincial government has introduced new legislation allowing victims of domestic or sexual violence up to five days of paid leave.
Parents of a child or dependent impacted by this type of violence will also be eligible for this support, introduced Tuesday.
Currently, B.C. and Alberta are the only two provinces in Canada that don’t require employers to offer paid leave for people facing domestic and sexual violence.
The paid leave will give victims a chance to attend to their needs, go to appointments, such as medical or counselling, and look for a new home or school for their children.
“People faced with domestic and sexual violence should not have to lose pay when dealing with the aftermath,” said Mitzi Dean, parliamentary secretary for gender equity.
“The changes introduced today help support people so they can attend medical appointments and make the necessary changes to ensure they and their children are safe.”
Under current rules, people who face domestic or sexual violence can take up to 10 non-consecutive days and 15 consecutive weeks (or non-consecutive with employer approval) of unpaid, job-protected leave from work.
If the new legislation passes, the changes will provide up to five non-consecutive days of paid leave, five non-consecutive unpaid days, and the same 15 additional unpaid weeks.
Anyone considered an employee by the Employment Standards Act is eligible.
“Domestic and sexual violence are deeply traumatizing crimes,” said Tracy Porteous, executive director of Ending Violence Association of British Columbia.
“Although the road ahead may be the most difficult one that survivors will encounter, it can make a huge difference having informed and respectful people and processes in place that provide those harmed by these crimes the time to begin to heal.”
The proposed legislation was shaped by feedback from 6,261 British Columbians as part of a consultation process last year.
That consultation found that most people, both employers and employees, as well as organizations, support some paid leave for people affected by domestic and sexual violence.
“People facing domestic or sexual violence need far more supports to help them gain control of their lives than what was previously available in our province,” said B.C. Minister of Labour Harry Bains.
“We consulted broadly, we listened to what people said and we’re making another important step to add to existing supports that will make a real difference in a person’s life when they need it the most.”
