Prince Edward Island announces changes to help modernize employment laws

Prince Edward Island's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Prince Edward Island has announced upcoming changes to employment laws in the province.

The new Employment Standards Act will come into effect on June 30.

The provincial government says it will help modernize and strengthen the rights and obligations of both employees and employers.

An independent review panel completed a report with 110 recommendations for employment standards.

The act was passed in the provincial legislature in fall 2024 due to the number of legislative changes recommended by the panel.

“Modernizing and clarifying the rules for both employers and employees is an important way government can support fair and balanced workplaces,” said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Zack Bell in a news release.

“The changes mark one of the most significant updates to employment standards in years and will align our province with current and emerging workplace trends to remain competitive in a global marketplace.”

The release also lists some key changes under the new act, which include:

• introducing up to 27 weeks of job-protected, unpaid medical leave
• increasing unpaid sick leave from three to four days per year
• limiting employer requests for sick notes to absences of five or more consecutive days and expanding the range of qualified health professionals who can provide them
• reducing the maximum work week from 48 hours to 44 hours
• updated termination provisions and enforcement mechanisms
• requiring employers to provide work schedules at least one week in advance, except in extenuating circumstances
• extending sick leave provisions to unionized employees

The province says information sessions will be held for employers who want to know more about the changes.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.