Community Services Minister John Streicker tabled Bill No. 10, which proposes to amend the Employment Standards Act to provide access to paid and unpaid leave for victims of domestic or sexualized violence working 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.
Domestic and sexualized violence is a tragic reality that we know is under-reported and can be experienced by anyone. These leave provisions provide the time, flexibility and economic security for victims to get the support they choose. 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.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
Offering paid and unpaid leave for victims of domestic and sexualized violence would remove a large barrier for victims of sexualized and domestic violence. This represents one more step we are taking to support victims and employees in our territory.
Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie Dendys
All ten 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.
Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca