Summary Of Saskatchewan's New Domestic Violence Legislation

Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence in Canada. To support and protect survivors of domestic violence, or "intimate partner violence", the province is adopting legislation titled: The Saskatchewan Employment (Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence) Amendment Act (the "Act"). The Acthas passed its third reading in the legislature and is set to be in force later this year, amending Saskatchewan's Employment Act.

Previously, The Saskatchewan Employment (Interpersonal Violence Leave) Amendment Act, which was passed in 2017,allowed ten days of unpaid leave per year, which could be taken either continuously or intermittently by an employee dealing with this issue. Federally, The Canada Labour Code includes a section titled "Leave for Victims of Family Violence", which allows ten days off per year, five of which are paid, for employees working in the federally regulated private sector.