Nova Scotia has increased the number of paid leave days you get when experiencing domestic violence.
The province says it’s to give employees more time to gain access to any medical, legal and social support services needed.
As it stands now, if you have been working for at least three months with a company, you get up to 16 continuous weeks of domestic violence leave.
In addition to that, you can take 10 days all at once or sporadic, three of which are paid.
Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration says domestic violence affects too many Nova Scotians.
“By extending paid leave, we are helping employees seek the support they need without the added concern of lost income.”
The decision was made after discussions with community partners including unions, employers and advocacy groups.
It is also based on the recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Desmond Fatality Inquiry and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Jennifer Murray, Regional Director with Unifor Atlantic says it is a powerful step.
“We know that worrying about your next paycheque is a major barrier to escaping violence. Unifor is pleased to see this step forward. We are eager to continue working with the Nova Scotia government to combat intimate partner violence following our meetings and the unanimous passing of the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act.”
Nova Scotia declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in 2024.
