As discussed in a previous communique, the BC Government amended the Employment Standards Regulation, BC Reg 396/95, to create an unpaid leave for employees who require leave to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to assist a dependant who is being vaccinated against COVID-19.

On April 19, 2021, the BC government introduced amendments to the Employment Standards Act that that will give employees up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of their vaccine.

If passed, the effective date will be retroactive to April 19, 2021.

So far, Saskatchewan is the only other Canadian jurisdiction to provide a paid leave for vaccine purposes.

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