FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2022
King government overcomplicating sick leave protections
Summerside, PE – On Monday, the King government put some protections in place for Island workers who are sick with a respiratory illness. However, the path to this protection is filled with hurdles meaning many will not be able to get the help they need. Under the changes to the Employment Standards Act regulations, Islanders who are sick will be required to first take time off work to go visit a doctor for a formal diagnosis so that they can get a note to give to their employers.
“Given the realities in our healthcare situation with a lack of access to primary care and a family doctor, overloaded walk-in clinics, and ERs with 10+ hours wait time for URGENT care, this change further burdens our healthcare system,” said Trish Altass, Official Opposition Green Critic for Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture. “Requiring a doctor’s note in situations like this also goes against the recommendation of the Canadian Medical Association.”
Requiring patients sick with a communicable illness to sit for hours in crowded spaces simply increases the likelihood of spread and the impact of illnesses on our communities, businesses, and healthcare system.
“It is frustrating that the King government seems unable to provide even the most basic care for Islanders without making it an overly complicated process,” said Altass. “It is especially frustrating given this government voted against legislating paid sick leave for Islanders. If the King Conservatives really cared about people, it would have passed this legislation and made it as easy as possible for Island workers to follow the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer and stay home when sick.”
The Official Opposition Green Caucus is calling on Premier King to immediately remove the barriers his government has placed in the way of Islanders needing job protection due to a respiratory illness.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca