Client Update: Nova Scotia Labour Standard Code changes – domestic violence leave & pregnancy / parental eligibility
Following the various Stakeholder Consultations (which Stewart McKelvey participated in on behalf of Nova Scotia Employers), the Government has changed the Labour Standards Code Regulations effective January 1, 2019 to:
- a) provide for up to three days paid domestic violence leave in each calendar year (and details respecting the taking of leave are set out in the Regulations; and
- b) there is now no eligibility period for pregnancy and / or parental leave – ie. employees are eligible for such leave as soon as they are hired (this is consistent with most other jurisdictions).
Below is the Communication sent by Government to Stakeholders:
Domestic Violence Leave
The Regulations provide for domestic violence leave to be paid by the employer for up to 3 days in each calendar year. A paid day of leave must not be less than the employee’s wages for all hours they would have worked on the day of the leave. For example, if a full-time employee was scheduled to work 7 hours on the day of their leave, the employee would receive regular pay for 7 hours. Similarly, if a part-time employee was scheduled to work 4 hours, the employee would receive regular pay for 4 hours.
In addition, if an employee takes any part of a day as leave, it is counted as one full day of paid leave. An employee can determine, however, which days of leave are to be considered the paid leave days. If an employee has two-hour appointments on different days, and also requires three full consecutive days off, the employee can request that the two-hour appointments be considered unpaid domestic violence leave and that they be paid for the three full consecutive days off. If the employee does not make a specific request, however, the employer will consider their first three days off, or parts of days off, as the three paid days.
The Regulations also provide authority and support for the (draft) Notification Form to be requested by employers and completed by employees and the service providers they will be engaging with as part of the domestic violence leave.
Eligibility Period for Pregnancy and Parental Leave
The Regulations provide that there is no eligibility period for pregnancy and/or parental leave. As such, employees are eligible for pregnancy and/or parental leave as soon as they are hired.
The links to the two Regulations are:
https://www.novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2018-208.pdf
https://www.novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2018-210.pdf
This update is intended for general information only. If you have questions about the above, please contact a member of our Labour and Employment group.
Archive
Yesterday, Monday June 2, 2014, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced brand new (and unexpected) amendments to the Labour Relations Act. The full text of the proposed amendment can be accessed here. Bill 22, if it…
Read MoreDownload as a PDF
Read MoreDownload as a PDF
Read MoreThis morning the Supreme Court of Canada released its much awaited decision in McCormick v. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin, holding that most legal (and other professional) partnerships are not subject to Human Rights obligations to partners,…
Read MoreNo really. We mean it this time. During the Spring 2014 sitting of the legislature, the PEI government passed legislation that will result in significant changes to the standard automobile policy, effective October 1, 2014. Most…
Read MoreThe Editor’s Corner Clarence Bennett This edition focuses on employment and labour issues in Construction. From occupational health and safety legislation to what you need to know when the union organizer arrives at your workplace.…
Read MoreFederally regulated employers should be aware of changes to the Canada Labour Code (“the Code“) effective April 1, 2014, namely subsections 219 and 223-231 of the Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, chapter 31 of the Statutes of Canada (also…
Read MorePEI Auto Accident Benefits – Behind the Times No More Nicole McKenna and Janet Clark Significant changes are coming to the standard automobile policy in Prince Edward Island (“PEI”), including increases to the accident benefits available under…
Read MoreIN THIS ISSUE: 10 Things employers need to know about employing temporary foreign workers by Andrea Baldwin, Michelle McCann and Sean Kelly. Landlords’ protection from mechanic’ (builders’) liens by Hugh Cameron and Lara MacDougall. The new Canada not-for-profit Corporations Act by Alanna Waberski, Sarah Almon and Kimberly Bungay. Download…
Read MoreOn January 31, 2014, The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance issued a bulletin in Nova Scotia. For 2014, the Minor Injury Cap for Nova Scotia is $8,213. This is a 1.4 per cent increase…
Read More