Premier Tim Houston; from Communications NS
After facing criticism last week about the end of the provincial paid sick-leave program the Nova Scotia government is reinstating it.
The program covered employee wages, including self-employed people, up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 per day, with a weekly maximum of $640. It ended March 1, after the government opted not to renew it.
Late last week that decision was criticized by NDP leader Gary Burrill, who said Premier Tim Houston’s claim that Nova Scotians have all the tools needed to live with the pandemic was untrue as now many are forced to choose between their financial and medical well beings.
Houston responded saying work was underway to deliver a permanent paid sick-leave program for the province but he was unable to provide a timeframe on when it would be ready.
Today, as a stop-gap measure Labour Minister Jill Balser announced the decision to reinstate the old program, “While COVID is still very active in our communities, we want to make sure Nova Scotians can access this temporary program, which people have told us has been helpful in keeping COVID out of the workplace,” Balser said.
“Nova Scotians know how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work, and we’re happy to support them in making the right decisions,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We continue to listen to Nova Scotians and remain focused on keeping workplaces safe. Extending the program supports this objective.”
The program will retroactively include the days that were cut off when the program initially ended in March. Claims will now be accepted from April 1-May 7.
The government would need to extend the program again for claims beyond May 7 to be eligible.
In response to the extension, Burrill said he was pleased to see the government recognize the immediate needs of Nova Scotians but he remains adamant a permanent program is needed, and quickly.
