The Alberta government announced Wednesday, April 12 that it will be introducing legislation to amend the Employment Standards Code to allow working Albertans paid time to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. 

The bill will allow three hours of paid, job-protected leave for employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. 

The government is encouraging employers and employees to work together in scheduling vaccination leaves. 

Jason Coppin, Minister of Labour and Immigration says, “By providing choice without consequence, we continue to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Albertans. Nobody should have to choose between getting vaccinated and putting food on the table and with this legislation, nobody will have to.”

If the bill is passed, it will go into effect on the day the bill receives its first reading. It will apply to all employees no matter their job status or length of time employed.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley and NDP Labour Critic Christina Gray told reporters that they hoped that the UCP would introduce the legislation. 

For more information, you can go to alberta.ca/COVID19