The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen today announced amendments to the Employment Standards Act effective January 1, 2004. The new amendments include Remembrance Day as the sixth paid statutory holiday bringing Prince Edward Island in line with all Atlantic Provinces.
Elmer MacFadyen, Minister Responsible for Labour stated, “Remembrance Day is a significant day of commemoration in Prince Edward Island and across Canada, and designating it as a paid statutory holiday is a fitting way to recognize the contributions of our veterans and the importance of this day to all Islanders.”
Other amendments providing improvements to the legislation include up to three days unpaid leave per year for family leave and for sick leave. Employees must have more than six months continuous service to qualify. In addition, the notice of termination will also increase to six weeks for employees with 10 - 15 years continuous service and eight weeks for employees with more than 15 years continuous service.
“Many Island employers are already providing these benefits to their staff; however, by amending the legislation, we are putting in place an added piece of security,” said Minister MacFadyen.
For more information, contact the Labour and Industrial Relations Branch at 902-368-5550 or 1-800-333- 4362.