Even though COVID-19 cases have risen sharply across Canada, the number of people claiming the federal government's Canada recovery sickness benefit recently is lower than when it launched in late September. This paid sick leave program was one of three benefits that replaced the previous $500/week Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) when it expired earlier this fall. Some employers already allow their employees paid sick days to help maintain a healthy workforce, but not every worker has that option, either. "There's going to be some really important analysis on the data on the sickness benefit in particular." "Now that it's not advertised, people don't know about the benefit and are going to work sick."

Source: CBC News December 17, 2020 14:01 UTC