On July 1, 2021, amendments to the Northwest Territories'
Employment Standards Act (the “Act”) relating
to emergency leave and group terminations came into force. These
amendments were adopted in direct response to the ongoing COVID-19
state of emergency but apply broadly to situations which qualify as
emergencies or unforeseen circumstances under the Act.
Emergency Leave
Employees in the Northwest Territories are now entitled to
unpaid emergency leave for up to fourteen (14) days. This leave
protects employees from termination on the grounds that they are
unable to report to work due to an emergency. Examples of
situations in which employees can apply for the leave include
having to quarantine or self-isolate at the direction of Public
Health or having to care for a family member who is affected by an
emergency. Employers may require reasonable verification from the
employee before granting the leave of absence.
