Greater Access to Compassionate Care

Nova Scotians will have greater access to compassionate-care leave because of new regulations in the Labour Standards Code.

The regulations will make the definition of a family member for compassionate-care leave in the Labour Standards Code consistent with the federal government's definition for the Employment Insurance compassionate-care benefit.

"Our new regulations mean more Nova Scotians who need time off to care for loved ones have access to compassionate-care leave," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "Employees can also feel protected because when they return to work, their jobs will be there for them."

The regulations expand the definition to include a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, foster parent, ward, guardian or a gravely ill person who considers the employee to be like a family member.

Previously, the Labour Standards Code only included spouses, common-law partners, children, step-children, parents and parents-in-law.

The new compassionate-care regulations will take effect Jan. 17.

For more information on the compassionate-care leave call toll free 1-888-315-0110.