New Employment Standards Act coming into force
On June 30, Prince Edward Island will bring the new Employment Standards Act into force, which modernizes and strengthens the rights and obligations of employees and employers.
An independent Comprehensive Review Panel completed extensive policy and consultation work over a two-year period with a final report containing 110 recommendations to modernize employment standards in Prince Edward Island. Given the significant number of legislative changes recommended by the Comprehensive Review Panel, a new Act was passed in the provincial legislature in fall 2024 to align with current and emerging workplace realities. The Act balances flexibility and fairness while supporting resilient workplaces.
“Modernizing and clarifying the rules for both employers and employees is an important way government can support fair and balanced workplaces. The changes mark one of the most significant updates to employment standards in years and will align our province with current and emerging workplace trends to remain competitive in a global marketplace.”
— Zack Bell, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning
Some of the key changes under the new Act include:
- Introducing up to 27 weeks of job-protected, unpaid medical leave
- Increasing unpaid sick leave from three to four days per year
- Limiting employer requests for sick notes to absences of five or more consecutive days and expanding the range of qualified health professionals who can provide them
- Reducing the maximum work week from 48 hours to 44 hours
- Updated termination provisions and enforcement mechanisms
- Requiring employers to provide work schedules at least one week in advance, except in extenuating circumstances
- Extending sick leave provisions to unionized employees
“There are already enough worries that come with a cancer diagnosis, wondering if you’ll have a job to return to shouldn’t be one of them,” said Canadian Cancer Society Senior Manager of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives Heather Mulligan. “By bringing 27 weeks of job-protected leave into force, Prince Edward Island is helping ensure Islanders facing serious illnesses like cancer can focus on what matters most: getting well.”
Information sessions will be provided to employers who would like to know more about the changes. To register for a session, or for more information, contact labourrelations@gov.pe.ca.
Learn more about the new Employment Standards Act.
Media contact:
Brooke Miller
Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning
bmmiller@gov.pe.ca