On Friday, May 7, 2021, Premier Brian Pallister announced that the province will be providing direct financial assistance to employers to offset the costs of paying sick leave.
Under the program employers are eligible to receive up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID-19 related sick leave. The leave includes testing for COVID-19, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation due to symptoms, or care for a loved one related to the previously mentioned criteria.
“We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19 and the variants of concern, and it is crucial to stay home when sick to help limit the spread of this deadly virus,” said Pallister. “Many Manitobans are living paycheque to paycheque, and they need to feel confident that if they are sick, they can stay home without any financial repercussions or fear of lost wages.”
The Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave Program is for private-sector, non-profit and charitable employers with eligible employees. Employers who currently provide paid sick leave to their employees are not eligible.
To be eligible employees must live and work in Manitoba and receive wages in Manitoba on a full or part-time basis.
The eligibility for the program begins today and will run until at least September 25, 2021.
© News4.ca 2021
