At a glance
- On 1 January 2026, amendments to Alberta’s Employment Standards Regulation took effect.
- Employees are now entitled to a maximum of 27 weeks of unpaid leave per calendar year for an employee’s own long-term illness or injury under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, marking a substantial increase from the previous entitlement of 16 weeks of leave per calendar year.
- The 11-week increase to the long-term illness and injury leave brings Alberta in line with several other provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Employers should review their workplace policies in light of the amendments to ensure compliance.
