Important Update to B.C.’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs On March 4, 2025, the Minister of Finance announced the following budget proposal to British Columbia’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs, subject to the approval of the legislature: Increase the Film...
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NEW! Employer Reimbursement Program for COVID-19
The Employer Reimbursement Program for COVID-19 paid sick leave has launched, and employers can now apply for reimbursement of wages paid to workers who have taken sick leave related to COVID-19.
The temporary reimbursement program is retroactive to May 20, when legislation was passed, and is effective until December 31, 2021 to ensure sick workers can stay home for up to three days without losing wages, while supporting businesses during the pandemic.
The amendments to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) require employers to pay sick workers their regular wages. Employers can then apply for reimbursement up to $200 per day, to a maximum of three days per worker. Any employer whose workers are covered under the ESA but does not currently provide paid sick leave benefits to its employees will be eligible. The reimbursement program is available to employers where workers need to stay home because they:
- have been diagnosed with COVID-19;
- are waiting for COVID-19 test results;
- need to self-isolate or self-monitor in accordance with a public health order or guideline; and/or
- have been directed to stay home by their employer due to exposure risks.
WorkSafeBC is administering the program with funding from government. The program is not part of the workers’ compensation system and will not affect WorkSafeBC’s employer premiums or its accident fund. Costs of administering the program will also be covered by government.
The Information Bulletin is available here:
For questions please call the information line: 1-888-Pay-4C19
To apply for reimbursement, employers must be registered for WorkSafeBC compensation coverage and signed up for WorkSafeBC’s online services. Employers will be required to complete a short online form that collects information about their employees’ COVID-19 related sick leave. Once submitted, processing of the application and payment by electronic transfer can take up to 10 business days. To apply for reimbursement, click here: http://cpsl.online.worksafebc.com/landingpage/index
Government has also committed to establishing a permanent paid sick leave program, beginning Jan. 1, 2022. A comprehensive consultation with stakeholders, Indigenous partners and the public will be announced soon.
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