As the New Brunswick legislature prepares to adjourn ahead of the fall election, the fate of a bill to mandate paid sick days remains uncertain. Green MLA Megan Mitton has expressed frustration over the governing Conservatives’ inaction on her party’s proposal, tabling last year to provide 10 paid sick days and government support for small businesses.
Despite the bill being referred to the law amendments committee for further study and the completion of a subsequent report, its release has been delayed. Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour Daniel Mills confirmed the report’s readiness in February, but Minister Greg Turner has not provided a clear explanation for the delay.
Mitton alleges that the government is attempting to bury the report and its recommendations to quietly kill the proposal. Turner, however, insists that a specific timeline is being followed and denies any attempt to limit legislative scrutiny.
The delay has raised concerns about government transparency and accountability. Mitton questions why the report’s release has been withheld until the final days of the session. Turner maintains that the report will be released before the legislature adjourns but declined to comment on whether the government will accept its recommendations.
The issue of paid sick days has gained national attention, with Turner emphasizing the need for a national agreement. However, the delay in releasing the committee’s report has cast doubt on the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and providing workers with essential protections.
