As we come to the end of this difficult year, I am reflecting on how the pandemic has highlighted the courage and importance of working people.

The Province has protected jobs and workers impacted by COVID-19 with an online variance application that simplified the process to extend temporary layoffs, resulting in the approval of more than 500 variances that protect more than 9,100 jobs across a variety of economic sectors.

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has issued the following statement regarding the release of a report reviewing B.C.’s unionized hotel sector as a result of COVID-19:

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has issued the following statement on the release of Janet Patterson’s report, New Directions: Report of the Workers’ Compensation Board Review, 2019:

This summer, our government has taken action to provide the most significant improvements to the Workers Compensation Act (WCA) in more than two decades. The current pandemic has highlighted the need for modernization, for stronger occupational health and safety protections and a more balanced workers’ compensation system. The bill we passed this summer drew on several expert reports that had feedback from employers, workers, as well as experts in workers’ compensation systems.

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has appointed Sandra Banister, QC, to conduct a review of layoff and recall rights of unionized workers in British Columbia’s hotel sector as a result of COVID-19.

Workers and employers who need to extend temporary layoffs beyond the Aug. 30, 2020, expiry date are reminded to apply for a variance using the Employment Standards Branch’s new online application by Aug. 25.

Employers and workers who need to extend temporary layoffs due to COVID-19 can more easily apply for a variance using the Employment Standards Branch’s new online application.

Changes to the Workers Compensation Act will provide better support to injured workers and their families and enhance WorkSafeBC’s ability to investigate workplace incidents, while keeping premiums low.