New Long-Term Illness Leave Coming to Ontario in June 2025
Ontario is introducing a new job-protected leave for workers facing serious medical conditions.
As part of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which received Royal Assent in December 2024, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) will be updated to include Long-Term Illness Leave starting June 19, 2025.
Key Features of the New Leave
Duration: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave within a 52-week period
Eligibility: Employees must have worked 13 consecutive weeks with their employer
Certification Required: A qualified health practitioner must issue a certificate confirming:
The employee has a serious medical condition
The expected duration of the absence
This new leave is intended to fill a gap for employees who need extended time away from work due to illness but may not qualify for federal benefits or other leaves under the ESA.
What Employers Should Know
Employers will be required to hold the employee’s position during the leave and may need to adjust internal leave tracking, policies, or documentation processes in advance of the June 2025 effective date.
Policies and handbooks should be reviewed and updated accordingly, especially in workplaces without short-term disability plans.
📌 Stay Ahead: We have updated our Leaves of Absence in Ontario article to include this new entitlement and help organizations and workers understand their rights and obligations as the effective date approaches.
Need help reviewing or updating your workplace leave policies?
Contact Achkar Law at 1-800-771-7882 or email [email protected].
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