EDMONTON – The Compassionate Care Leave bill was passed in the Alberta legislature Monday night, and the Alberta Caregivers Association is voicing its support for the legislation.
Bill 203 will provide job protected leave to family caregivers who take time off work to look after a dying family member.
The act will revise the province’s employment standards code to include Compassionate Care Leave.
“I am very excited about what Bill 203 will do for Albertans,” says Matt Jeneroux, MLA Edmonton-South West who introduced the Private Members’ Bill. “A number of organizations and my own constituents have expressed to me how necessary it is to pass this bill and the foundation we will now have to protect our caregivers.”
Prior to the passing of the bill, Alberta was the only jurisdiction in Canada without Compassionate Care Leave in its employment standards code.
“We are delighted that Alberta now provides job security for family caregivers,” says Anna Man, Alberta Caregivers Association spokesperson. “This bill will help reduce the challenges faced by so many family members in this province who are dealing with the responsibility of caring for a dying loved one.”
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Currently, the federal government provides access to benefits through the Employment Insurance program. Compassionate Care benefits are available to individuals who need time off work to care for a family member who’s facing a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. Individuals who qualify can access the benefits for up to eight weeks within a 26-week period.
Bill 203 now protects the job of Albertans who qualify for the federal Compassionate Care Benefit program. Albertans who do not access or qualify for the federal benefit can still use the leave but it would be unpaid.
Under Bill 203, a family caregiver can use Compassionate Care Leave totaling eight weeks within a six and a half month period.
“Needing to care for a loved one who is ill and dying is traumatic enough without the added burden of worrying about keeping your job,” says Angeline Webb, spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division. “Family caregivers in Alberta will no longer have to choose between their jobs and being there to look after a dying family member.”
The Alberta Caregivers Association and the Canadian Cancer Society say they have been working to ensure the passage of this bill.
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