February 23, 2023
Green Leader’s paid sick days bill to be studied by Law Amendments Committee today
FREDERICTON – The Legislative Assembly’s Law Amendments Committee will hear testimony today from expert witnesses and stakeholders on Green Party Leader David Coon’s bill to provide all New Brunswicker workers with access to paid sick days.
“Paid sick days are an important public health measure that would ensure that New Brunswickers don’t have to choose between staying home sick and putting food on the table,” said Coon. “Those provinces that have already instituted paid sick leave have seen multiple benefits including increased productivity, better staff retention, a decline in workplace injuries and an increase in morale.”
Coon’s bill was sent to the Law Amendments Committee for further study during the second reading debate in December. The Law Amendments Committee has the unique mandate to hold public hearings on the subject matter of a bill. Following the hearings, the committee will issue a report to the Legislative Assembly.
“I look forward to hearing from the witnesses on how we can best ensure that all New Brunswickers have access to paid sick leave, while supporting small businesses and non-profits that need help making the transition,” said Coon.
The NB Common Front for Social Justice, NB Federation of Labour, Canadian Cancer Society, NB Coalition for Pay Equity, Better Way Alliance, Decent Work and Health Network, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Federation of Independent Business will all make presentations to the committee. The proceedings will be live-streamed.
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