WINNIPEG – The provincial government is proposing a motion that would make it the first province to allow more workers to take protected sick leave related to COVID-19 and apply for expanded federal support. The province says it will need to change the existing legislation to widen Manitoba’s protected leave program and the Canadian leave program, ensuring that Manitobans who are eligible for the new Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) are protected if they go on leave.

“Manitobans and Canadians shouldn’t have to make the difficult decision whether to give up a paycheque or go to work while sick,” Premier Brian Pallister says. “The wrong choice would be to go back to work sick.”

Eligible employees can now apply for the CRSB, which provides $500 a week for up to two weeks, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, which offers $500 a week for up to 26 weeks, so they can take time off work to care for an ill family member. The new provincial legislation would also protect the jobs of workers who are more susceptible to COVID-19 if they go on leave and apply for the CRSB.