Time Off to Care for Dependants
All employees have the right to take a reasonable amount of time off to deal with family emergencies. Such absences are unpaid unless the employer agrees otherwise.
The rights apply only to those providing care to a dependant which includes the employee’s spouse, parents, children, or another person living in the same household who is not a tenant, boarder or lodger. Additionally, the right extends to any person who reasonably relies upon the employee for the purpose of providing assistance or making arrangements.
Family emergencies include instances connected with the death, illness or injury of a family member, or where a dependant gives birth. The right also exists where an unexpected disruption has arisen in relation to care arrangements for a dependant, or where an incident occurs involving the worker’s child at school.
You must inform your employer of the reason for your absence as soon as possible, as well as when you expect to return to work. You can bring a claim against your employer for unreasonably refusing to allow you to take time off.
