The BC government has unveiled a plan to increase unpaid parental leave for natural and adoptive parents from twelve to thirty-five weeks. When added to seventeen weeks pregnancy leave, this will permit unpaid leave of up to one year. The changes are contained in Bill 24 (Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act) which, if passed, will amend the Employment Standards Act. The government states that the amendments will enable people to take full advantage of proposed changes to Employment Insurance benefits. Bill 24 received first reading on June 15 2000.
Legal News