Unpaid bereavement days bill passes second reading

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This article was published 11/04/2023 (881 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A private member’s bill to guarantee time off work for families who have experienced a stillbirth or miscarriage passed second reading Tuesday.

Bill 235 would amend the Employment Standards Code to give people five unpaid bereavement days, up from three.

It would also allow an employee to take up to five days off, unpaid if the employee, spouse or common-law partner loses a pregnancy.

The bill was first introduced by Progressive Conservative backbencher MLA Andrew Micklefield (Rossmere) on April 6, and passed second reading five days later.

“Many of us know someone who has gone through the difficult time of a miscarriage or a stillbirth,” Micklefield said in a release. “These families should be given an appropriate amount of time to grieve the loss of their family member.

“My heart goes out to anyone experiencing this traumatic event, and those who have experienced it in the past.”

The Tory bill is reminiscent of Bill 210, which was introduced by NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin in late November. Other versions of the bill have been introduced in two previous legislative sessions.

Bill 210 would provide an employee up to three days paid leave if their pregnancy or the pregnancy of their spouse or common-law partner ends in miscarriage or stillbirth.

During question period Tuesday, Lathlin challenged the Tories to change their bill (235) to give grieving parents paid time off.

“Now that we have taken one important step in extending this important leave, will the labour minister agree that it’s long past time for the province to provide guaranteed paid leave for those families,” the MLA for The Pas-Kameesak said.

Labour Minister Jon Reyes said the bill was drafted after listening to many Manitobans to ensure they do not suffer from anxiety or stress when experiencing the loss of a pregnancy.

“Whether it’s a miscarriage, loss of life or any dire situation that affects workers personally, we want to ensure that these people are taken care of,” the MLA for Waverley said. “Our doors will always be open with regards to recommendations.”

Lathlin said paid leave is one way to take care of workers, who have to make a choice between properly grieving their pregnancy loss or putting food on the table. “This is an impossible choice for many.”

Government house leader Kelvin Goertzen said the bill will be called to committee where the public can provide their input on the proposed legislation. Amendments can be brought forward at that time, he said.

The bill must receive concurrence and third reading by June 1 to become law.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca