NDP‑2 clarifies the problematic statement we discovered regarding the calendar year for the acquisition of the first day of sick leave. Here we’re proposing 30 consecutive days instead of one calendar month.
NDP‑2 also provides that everyone starts the program with a minimum of four days in their sick leave bank. We talked about this earlier today, and it was the subject of recommendations from several associations and health professionals. Earlier today, the Minister seemed open to such a change to avoid a situation where someone has to wait three or four months to get enough sick days to look after a flu, for example, or some other kind of illness.
Therefore, we concluded that four days was the appropriate number based on the recommendations of health care professionals. Subsequently, this allows people to continue to accumulate sick leave to a maximum of 10 days, as originally provided for in the Canada Labour Code.
The amendment also clarifies the 30 consecutive working days, and not the calendar month, for obtaining these days.
There are the two elements that make up NDP‑2.