Working Albertans granted 3 hours of paid leave for COVID-19 vaccine

The Employment Standards Code has been amended to allow all working Albertans to access paid, job-protected leave to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

How much time off do I receive?

All working Albertans can access up to 3 consecutive hours of paid leave.

• If in the opinion of the employer, the circumstances warrant a longer period than 3 consecutive hours, this may also be granted if mutually agreed upon.
• This applies to each required dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is this for full-time employees only?

No. The leave applies to all full and part-time employees, regardless of how long they have been employed.

How much notice do I have to give my employer?

Before taking a leave, an employee must give the employer as much notice as is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances.

Is this a paid leave?

Yes. An employer must ensure that an employee does not lose any earnings or other benefits as a result of taking leave under this act.

Do I have to provide any proof to my employer?

Yes. If requested by the employer, the employee must, as soon as is practicable, provide to the employer reasonably sufficient proof that the employee is entitled to a leave under this act.

However, an employee is not required to:

• provide the employer with a medical certificate or record of immunization as verification of the employee’s entitlement to a leave, or
• disclose to the employer any of the employee’s underlying medical conditions.

Employees and employers are encouraged to work together when scheduling COVID-19 vaccination leaves.

Questions?

For more information about paid leave to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact our HR Consulting Expert, Kate Miller, or complete the contact form below.