Long-Term Illness Leave Now In Effect For Ontario Employees

On June 19, 2025, a new leave of absence benefit was implemented under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. Section 49.8 now provides qualifying employees with Long-Term Illness Leave.

Eligibility Requirements for Long-Term Illness Leave

Employees who have worked for provincially regulated employers for at least 13 weeks are now entitled to Long-Term Illness Leave if they meet both of the following requirements:

1. The employee will not be performing the duties of their position because of a serious medical condition; and
2. A "qualified health practitioner" (defined as a physician, registered nurse, psychologist, or a member of a prescribed class of health practitioners) issues a certificate that: (a) states that the employee has a serious medical condition; and (ii) sets out the length of time the employee will not be performing the duties of their position because of the serious medical condition.