New Brunswick has become the last province to enact job protection for workers on long-term sick leave, meaning all 10 Canadian provinces now have such measures in place. The legislation, passed in late June 2026, ensures employees can take extended medical leave without risking their employment.
Details of the New Brunswick Law
The new law in New Brunswick provides job-protected leave for workers who are unable to work due to serious illness or injury. Employees can take up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave over a 52-week period, with the guarantee that their job or a comparable position will be available upon return. The legislation applies to all employees covered under the province's Employment Standards Act.
According to the New Brunswick government, the measure aims to support workers facing serious health challenges. “No one should have to choose between their health and their job,” said a government spokesperson. “This law provides peace of mind for workers and their families during difficult times.”
National Context
Prior to New Brunswick's move, other provinces had already implemented similar protections. For example, Ontario offers up to 17 weeks of job-protected sick leave, while British Columbia provides up to 27 weeks. The patchwork of provincial laws had left gaps for workers in some regions. Now, with all provinces on board, employees across Canada have consistent access to job-protected long-term sick leave.
According to the Canadian Press, the trend toward job protection for long-term sick leave has accelerated in recent years, driven by advocacy from labor groups and public health experts. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for such measures, as many workers faced prolonged illnesses without job security.
Impact on Workers
Employment lawyer Sarah Thompson noted that the new law in New Brunswick closes a significant gap. “Workers in New Brunswick previously had limited protections for extended medical leave,” she said. “This brings the province in line with the rest of the country and ensures that all Canadians can take the time they need to recover without fear of losing their livelihoods.”
Labor unions have praised the development. The Canadian Labour Congress issued a statement calling it “a victory for workers’ rights” but urged further improvements, such as paid sick leave. Currently, most provinces provide unpaid leave, which can be a financial burden for low-income workers.
Future Considerations
While job protection is now universal, advocates continue to push for paid long-term sick leave. Some provinces, like Quebec and Prince Edward Island, offer partial wage replacement through employment insurance or provincial programs, but others do not. The federal government has also explored a national paid sick leave program, though no concrete plans have been announced.
As of July 2026, all Canadian workers can take job-protected long-term sick leave, marking a milestone in employment standards across the country.
