JOHN Horgan, Premier of British Columbia, Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba, and Sandy Silver, Premier of Yukon, in a joint statement on Tuesday regarding a proposed national sick leave program said they were pleased that the federal government is looking at a sick leave program that protects people and businesses, and they looked forward to advancing this initiative.

“Paid sick leave is crucial for the safe restart of our economy,” they asserted.

The premiers said: “Yukon has already implemented a paid sick leave program for employers. A national program would ensure people can stay home from work when they are sick without fear of not being able to pay their bills. It will also give the public confidence that the businesses and workplaces they visit are safe.

“We will continue to work with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other provinces and territories, to move forward and ensure all Canadians have the protection they need during this pandemic.”