New Brunswick workers with cancer, serious illnesses granted job-protected leave

New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton. (CTV News/Laura Brown)

New Brunswick workers dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses now have job-protected leave after new legislation passed on Friday.

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) says the legislation, which received royal assent, will allow employees to take time away from work for treatment and recovery without worrying about losing their jobs.

The society also notes that with the passing of this legislation, every province now provides 26 or 27 weeks of job-protected leave for people with serious illnesses. The society says it is working with territorial governments on this type of protection.

“When Canadians are facing cancer, their focus should be getting better – not worrying about financial hardship and losing their job,” says Andrea Seale, CEO of the society, in a news release. “New Brunswick’s legislation is an important milestone and a reflection of years of advocacy and collective action by patients, survivors, caregivers, partners and supporters across the country. It shows what is possible when people raise their voices together for better health outcomes.”

The society says a 2024 report by them found the average Canadian cancer patient faces nearly $33,000 in lifetime costs.

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