Various opinions from Northern B.C. residents on 10 days paid sick leave

The Federal Government’s push to get 10 days paid sick leave for all Canadian workers has been met by mixed reactions.

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer was critical of the suggestion.

“All the programs that were offered by the government… I think those were more than sufficient for the effects of COVID. I don’t think another ten days are necessary.”

Zimmer expressed concerns about the long-term financial effects of Canada’s growing debt and said he believes taxpayers may end up paying for sick days.

PG Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Corrigall remained relatively neutral on the topic, although he was skeptical of the benefits of the program.

“There needs to be a far greater discussion and look into what paid sick days do to a business, and understand what those impacts are. I think there needs to be a large study done on what the financial impacts on the business community look like.”

Corrigall advocated for greater understanding before implementing what he referred to as “sweeping policies”.

“Much like anything we want to see the data,” he said.

However, some Northern figures strongly support the change:

“I heard from many people in the Northwest worried about how they would pay bills and get by if they got sick. If we are to continue to flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19, every Canadian needs to be able to stay home if they are sick,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach.