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Location: Ministry of Labour > News Releases > 2004 >

News Release
Communiqué

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONTARIO WORKERS
Benefits Workers Caring for a Gravely Ill Family Member

TORONTO- Effective immediately, workers in Ontario who are caring for a gravely ill family member can take up to eight weeks off work without worrying about losing their job, Minister of Labour Chris Bentley announced today.

"The legislation that came into force today provides important protection and peace of mind for workers who might otherwise be faced with the impossible choice of quitting their job to care for a gravely ill loved one," Bentley said. "Our people's health is our most precious resource. We share a responsibility to protect it from harm and care for it in times of need."

The Employment Standards Amendment Act (Family Medical Leave), 2004, which received Royal Assent today, provides up to eight weeks of job-protected leave for employees who wish to take time off work to provide care or support for a gravely ill family member at significant risk of dying within 26 weeks. Anyone in Ontario covered by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 - including part-time workers - is eligible to take this job-protected time off work.

"Providing family medical leave is good for Ontario families," said Bentley. "Many workers have had to quit their jobs to care for a loved one, losing their main source of income and often using most or all of their savings."

Studies show that caregivers in these situations face incredible stress, often leading to a rise in absenteeism. The cost of this absenteeism is estimated at just over $1 billion a year in Canada, with indirect costs of an additional $1 to $2 billion. Employees who are able to take leave to care for gravely ill family members will tend to return to their workplaces better able to focus on their jobs and are likely to be more loyal to their employer.

"Years ago, as a society, we decided to support families in the happy times at the beginning of life with maternity and parental leave," said Bentley. "This is a statement that we are prepared to support people at a difficult time of life."

For more information on family medical leave, please see the fact sheet on the Ministry of Labour website at www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/

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Public Inquiries:

Employment Standards Information Centre
416-326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551

See also:

• Family Medical Leave