NSNDP

April 22nd, 2021

Liberals should mandate paid leave for vaccine appointments

HALIFAX -- The NDP is calling on the Liberal government to follow the lead of other provinces and ensure all workers can take paid leave to get their COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to sick days, this could help Nova Scotia manage the growing number of COVID-19 cases.

“While the Liberals are clearly uninterested in doing what is required and implementing paid sick days, surely they can see why ensuring people get a few paid hours off to get vaccinated is in the interest of all Nova Scotians,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “As the vaccine rollout moves down in age groups, more and more people will have to deal with booking their vaccine appointment around their working hours. In an effort to move quickly, the Premier should make sure that workers can take the time they need to get vaccinated.”

Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta have all moved towards a similar policy to help get more people vaccinated quickly.

-30-