The provincial government has announced it will introduce legislation that if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures.
The proposed legislation would also make it clear that an employee will not be required to provide a medical note if they take the leave. The measures would be retroactive to January 25, 2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.
"While everyone's concerns about their health and safety is top of mind, the last thing we need is anyone worrying about job security as the COVID-19 situation evolves," said Premier Doug Ford. "That's why I directed the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development to draft legislation that will protect workers and their families during this difficult period."
Many workers will be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits and the government says it is also reviewing current access and eligibility to emergency assistance which is available through the Ontario Works (OW) program to support individuals who are impacted by the coronavirus and who are not able to meet their basic living expenses.
"Mothers and fathers who need to care for children or dependants shouldn't have to worry about losing their job," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "The same goes for people who receive medical or public health advice and are required to take precautions as a result. They shouldn't have to worry about losing their job. In this time of uncertainty, we need to support employees who must isolate or quarantine themselves, or who need to care for a loved one."
The proposed legislation would, if passed, provide job protection for employees unable to work for the following reasons:
Ontario is also delaying the release of its full budget, instead planning to deliver a scaled-back economic forecast on March 25.
Finance Minister Rod Phillips says it's important to introduce a financial plan for the province that is as current as possible, given the dynamic situation around COVID-19.
The Ontario government announced an online self-assessment tool cof COVID-19.
According to CTV News, Canada has 356 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 17 probable cases and one death. Ontario currently has 177 of the confirmed cases of the virus with 1,537 under investigation.