On April 21, 2021, Bill 71 was passed to allow workers to be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine and have job-protected paid leave for up to three hours.
Bill 71 amends the Employment Standards Act so no Albertan will have to chose between work and getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Jason Copping, Minister of Labour and Immigration says “This is directed at those groups of workers who may be; working multiple jobs, lower income, can’t afford to lose time and don’t have time to get vaccinated.” Copping says the focus of the government is getting the vaccines out as quickly as possible so we can get through the pandemic.
The leave applies to all full and part-time employees regardless of how long they have been employed.
Copping says employers and employees should be working together when scheduling vaccination appointments/leaves.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
