GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS NDP LEGISLATION PROPOSAL TO ALLOW PAID LEAVE FOR ALBERTA WORKERS TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE

EDMONTON - Alberta’s NDP is proud to announce that all workers in the province are now entitled to three hours of paid leave to get the COVID-19 vaccine, thanks to passage of new legislation Wednesday night.

Bill 71, COVID Vaccination Leave, was passed during a 30-minute debate Wednesday, the day after it was proposed to the government by Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley. 

“We need to do everything we can to get Albertans vaccinated,” Notley said. “This is our best weapon against COVID-19 and the best way to keep workers and the people they interact with safe.  We can’t have workers logging in to book a vaccination appointment only to find the times available conflict with their work schedule. 

“I am glad that the Legislature has come together to unanimously pass this critical law in a single day.”

British Columbia introduced similar legislation earlier this week and Saskatchewan adopted measures to allow for paid leave to get the vaccine in mid-March. 

Alberta currently has the highest per-capita case count in Canada. On Tuesday, the AstraZeneca vaccine became available to all Albertans age 40 and up. Since then, more than 70,000 Albertans have booked appointments and received their first dose.

“It’s a good start to see so many Albertans getting the vaccine, but we need to make sure no one is being denied access because of their work commitments,” said NDP Labour Critic Christina Gray. “I know the vast majority of Alberta employers recognize that the vaccine is the best way to keep their worksites and establishments safe. 

“This new law now enshrines the rights of all workers to ensure all eligible Albertans can get vaccinated as soon as possible. Alberta’s NDP was proud to propose this legislation to the government and to see through its passage.”