Compassionate Care Legislation Coming Into Effect

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Compassionate Care Legislation Coming Into Effect

Nova Scotians will have more time to spend with and care for loved ones who are gravely ill with new legislation that comes into effect on Jan. 4, 2004.

Changes to the Labour Standards Code provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave to employees who wish to provide palliative care to a parent, child or spouse.

"This new legislation ensures informal caregivers have the support and protection they require to care for family members during their time of need," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "This valuable and compassionate benefit allows informal caregivers to spend time away from work without fear of losing their jobs."

In January 2003, the First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal outlined a federal initiative that would allow a six-week compassionate care benefit, available through the Employment Insurance program. The Feb. 18 federal budget announced the establishment of the paid benefit, which will come into effect on Jan. 4, 2004.

Nova Scotia's Compassionate Care Leave legislation supports the spirit of the First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal (February 2003) and complements the federal government's six-week commitment. It also adds two additional weeks of unpaid leave for employees.

For more information on the compassionate care legislation call 1-888-315-0110 or see the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/labstand.