What happened
New Brunswick has adopted a law letting workers take up to 27 weeks of unpaid sick leave without losing their job, as reported by Talent Canada. It was the last province to extend protection to about half a year. All 10 provinces now have job-protected long-term sick leave.
The change started federally. In 2022, Ottawa raised unpaid medical leave for federally regulated workers to 27 weeks from 17, and lengthened EI sickness benefits to 26 weeks from 15. Newfoundland and Labrador followed in March 2024, then Manitoba that November. Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island moved in 2025. Alberta and Saskatchewan's 27-week rules took effect Jan. 1. Quebec has had 26 weeks for more than two decades.
The territories are not yet in line. The Canadian Cancer Society says Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have not extended long-term illness leave. Employment law expert Eric Tucker noted that provincial rules now match federal EI timelines, so a worker with EI entitlement also has a right to return to their job.
Why it matters if you are hiring
Before 2024, many provinces protected only a few days or weeks. A multi-province employer may still be working from old policies. If your leave policy or handbook was written before then, check it.
There is a hiring side too. When a key employee goes on leave for up to 27 weeks, the job is still theirs. You cannot simply backfill permanently. That means contract and temporary cover for roles such as controllers, plant supervisors, quality leads and account managers, with a clear end date or a flexible one.
Carleton University's Jennifer Robson says protected leave gives employers predictability, because they can count on an experienced worker coming back. Plan around that. Cover that is briefed well and ready to hand back the role keeps the team steady.
The report does not say how employers are adjusting, and rules on benefits during leave and on notice vary by province. Confirm the details with your employment lawyer.
One thing to do this week
Pick your three most critical roles and write a one-page leave cover plan for each: who covers the duties for the first 4 weeks, who could be hired on contract for up to 27 weeks, and what a handover looks like. Then compare your leave policy against the rules in each province where you have staff.
Traverse has placed contract and permanent operations, finance and manufacturing professionals with Canadian employers since 1997, and we can help you line up experienced interim cover before you need it.