Ontario Extends COVID-19 Worker Income Benefit Program and IDEL

The Ontario government announced that the Worker Income Benefit Program will be extended until July 31, 2022.

As we have previously indicated, the program was in order to provide aid to employees who had no sick day coverage. In particular, this program provides employees with up to 3 days paid leave in the following circumstances:

  • going for a COVID-19 test
  • staying home awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
  • being sick with COVID-19
  • getting individual medical treatment for mental health reasons related to COVID-19
  • going to get vaccinated
  • experiencing a side effect from a COVID-19 vaccination
  • having been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19 by an employer, medical practitioner or other specified authority
  • providing care or support to certain relatives for COVID-19 related reasons, such as when they are:
    • sick with COVID-19covid 19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
    • self-isolating due to COVID-19 on the advice of a medical practitioner or other specified authority
    • providing care or support to their child who is getting vaccinated against COVID-19 or is experiencing side effects from the vaccine

For more information on the Worker Income Benefit Program, you can visit the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-worker-income-protection-benefit

In respect of the extension to the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave, this will be extended until July 31, 2022. The regulation exempts layoffs or reduction in wages/hours from being considered as a constructive dismissal under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.