NDP CALLS ON KENNEY TO JOIN NATIONAL PAID SICK LEAVE PROGRAM

EDMONTON -- The NDP Official Opposition are calling on Jason Kenney and his UCP government to join other provinces in endorsing a national sick leave program. 

On Tuesday, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Yukon endorsed the program after the federal government committed to negotiating with the provinces and territories on 10 days of paid sick leave a year — two full working weeks — as part of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We can’t have people going to work when they’re sick in the middle of a pandemic just because they can’t afford to miss a day. This will be detrimental to the health of all Albertans,” said Christina Gray, NDP Labour Critic. “In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workers need to be able to stay home if they’re sick and know they can still pay the bills.”

“Keeping Albertans healthy and financially secure will allow us to recover more quickly from the pandemic. This is good for workers, our economy, and the health of our province.”

The NDP made support for a national program contingent on the government being initially responsible for the costs, not businesses.

“Jason Kenney and the UCP have turned their backs on small businesses and workers during the pandemic,” Gray said. “They need to support this program that can help keep people employed and businesses running.”