Ontario Creates Job-Protected Leave for Military Reservists Who Are Injured

By introducing new legislation that, if approved, would ensure that military reservists can return to their civilian jobs after deployment, even if they require additional time off to recover from physical or mental injuries, the Ontario government is working for workers. Nearly one in seven of the 40,000 Canadian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan sustained mental injuries as a result of mission-related trauma.

“We often think of the physical injuries soldiers suffer, but mental trauma experienced is no less severe,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “The brave men and women in our Canadian Armed Forces put their lives on hold to protect our freedom. They deserve to know that their job will not only be protected when they’re away but also should they need time to recover from physical or mental injuries.”

In addition, the proposed legislation would make Ontario one of the first provinces in Canada to allow reservists to respond to and deploy to domestic emergencies, such as search and rescue operations, recovery from national disasters like flood relief, and military assistance following ice storms, even if they have just started a new job. Similarly, instead of the current three months, reservists would be eligible for job-protected leave when deployed abroad or upgrading their military skills.

“Our Citizen-Soldiers, the men and women who proudly serve Canadians in our nation’s uniform will truly benefit from these incredible new protections,” said General Rick Hillier (retired), Former Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada. “The changes in the law will give our reservists the comfort and peace of mind they need to ensure that their jobs will be there for them when they are done serving our country, whether at home or abroad. The changes also reassure our Citizen-Soldiers that when they are called upon to serve in a time of need, or, if that service and sacrifice results in physical or mental injuries, that they won’t need to worry about being abandoned in their darkest hours. Premier Ford and Minister McNaughton should be proud of introducing changes that ensures the great province of Ontario has the backs of those who serve.”

Reservists would have greater peace of mind when putting their jobs on hold following a deployment if these proposed modifications, which build on job protections introduced last year, were implemented. They are essential for a bigger bundle that develops the earth shattering activities in the Working for Laborers Acts, 2021 and 2022, which are as of now helping a huge number of individuals by presenting extra backings that embrace the eventual fate of work.