As Canada approaches another flu and COVID-19 season, many workers are confronted with the difficult choice of taking unpaid leave or working while ill. This situation highlights a significant public health issue that could be addressed through the implementation of universal paid sick leave. Research indicates that such a system would not only protect individual health but also enhance overall workforce productivity.
The absence of comprehensive paid sick leave in Canada has been a persistent problem. The Canada Labour Code provides for ten days of paid sick leave, yet this benefit is limited to federally regulated employees. At the provincial level, only British Columbia, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island have established permanent paid sick leave systems, which vary in the number of days available. For instance, British Columbia offers five days, while Quebec provides two days. In contrast, Ontario briefly implemented three days of paid sick leave during the pandemic but ended the program in 2023.
Research conducted by Peel Public Health during the pandemic revealed alarming statistics, with one in four employees attending work despite showing symptoms of COVID-19. Approximately one percent of these workers even went to work after testing positive. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie described the situation as evidence that many workers are forced to choose between financial stability and public health.
Despite the clear need for a paid sick leave system, many workers remain unprotected. Independent contractors and gig workers, classified as self-employed, often lack access to basic protections that most employees enjoy. Unionized workers are more likely to have negotiated paid sick days in their contracts, but access remains uneven, particularly in low-union sectors such as hospitality and agriculture.
The negative effects of presenteeism—where employees work while ill—are well documented. Not only does this behavior hinder recovery, but it also facilitates the spread of illness within workplaces. A 2023 review of 43 studies found that paid sick leave is correlated with improved job satisfaction, better employee retention, and reduced contagion rates. Employees without access to paid sick leave often experience heightened psychological distress, impacting overall workplace morale.
To effectively address these issues, Canada should consider integrating paid sick leave into existing workers’ compensation systems, which provide income replacement for work-related injuries. Such a model could be adapted to cover illnesses that pose risks to public health. By adopting a structured approach, governments and employers can develop a program that is both efficient and equitable.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture regarding sick leave. When leaders prioritize employee well-being and set positive examples, it encourages a culture where taking sick leave is viewed as responsible. This shift can help dismantle the stigma associated with using sick leave, ultimately leading to healthier workplace environments.
Policymakers, business leaders, and unions must collaborate to establish a robust paid sick leave system that protects all workers. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of such policies, which remain crucial today. Implementing paid sick leave is not merely a legislative issue; it is a public health imperative.
A universal paid sick leave system would significantly enhance Canada’s ability to manage seasonal illnesses and future health crises. It is essential for safeguarding economic stability and preparing for emerging challenges, from new pandemics to climate-related health threats. The well-being of workers and society at large depends on prioritizing this fundamental aspect of public health infrastructure.
