New Brunswick’s new law on unpaid sick leave for extended illness is now in effect, and it brings job protection for long-term sick leave across all 10 Canadian provinces. Global News and The National Observer report that in June, New Brunswick adopts legislation that allows workers to take up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave to recover from illness or injury. The Winnipeg Free Press also notes that this change means every province now provides some form of job protection for workers who need extended time off for serious health reasons.
While the articles agree on the overall outcome—that job protection for long-term sick leave exists in all provinces—they emphasize that the details of protection can differ by jurisdiction. The reporting highlights that New Brunswick’s move expands the scope of protected leave beyond the earlier five-day limit, creating a longer, more comprehensive option for employees facing prolonged recovery. Across the country, the shift is framed as closing a gap so workers can take extended leave without losing their job.
