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Yukon to provide leave for victims of domestic, sexual violence
By Talent Canada Staff
The Yukon is planning to provide paid and unpaid leave to victims of domestic or sexual violence.
Community Services Minister John Streicker tabled Bill 10, which proposes to amend the Employment Standards Act — legislation that applies to workers in territorially regulated industries and professions.
This leave would be available to victims of domestic violence perpetrated by intimate partners or family members and to victims of sexualized violence.
“The proposed leave provisions would also apply to employees if their child or person they care for is a victim of domestic or sexualized violence,” the government said in a press release.
Streicker said such violence is a “tragic reality” and is under-reported.
“These leave provisions provide the time, flexibility and economic security for victims to get the support they choose,” he said. “This is part of our government’s efforts to help those who have experienced violence and sexualized assault. Safe and supported employees make for healthier workplaces in our communities.
- All 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories have enacted some version of leave for domestic violence. Yukon would join the six jurisdictions that also provide leave for sexualized violence. The approaches vary in length of leave provided, and whether it is paid or unpaid.
- Rates of domestic violence in Yukon are three times the national average. Rates of sexualized violence in Yukon is also higher than the national average.
- Canadian employers lose $77.9 million annually because of direct and indirect impacts of domestic violence.
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