Alberta Extends Long-Term Illness And Injury Leave To 27 Weeks

With the new year comes new considerations for employers, particularly as they relate to the provision of long-term illness and injury leave for employees.

Effective January 1, 2026, amendments to Alberta's Employment Standards Code (the "Code") have increased the maximum long-term illness and injury leave entitlement from 16 weeks to 27 weeks per calendar year. Additional information from the Alberta Government can be found here.

Overview

The Code provides for long-term illness and injury leave for eligible employees who cannot work due to illness, injury, or quarantine (see section 53.97). Employees qualify if they have been employed by the same employer for at least 90 days.