Debate on Bill C-3, Protections for Healthcare Workers and Paid Sick Leave

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-3 will protect healthcare workers, Canadians seeking health services, and Canadians deciding between their well-being and paying bills. Delivering protections for healthcare workers and 10 days paid sick leave were top priorities for us. It is why I stand here today, just weeks into the 44th parliament, speaking in favour of bill C-3 so we can ensure Canadians receive the protections their deserve as quickly as possible.

Throughout this pandemic we have commended our healthcare workers. They have been true heroes, working on the frontline tirelessly. Calling healthcare workers heroes and commending their bravery, well entirely deserved, is not enough. We need to provide real protections to them. The amendments to the criminal code in this bill will afford healthcare workers security against obstruction from accessing their workplaces safely.

Unfortunately, we have seen terrible incidents where doctors and nurses have been intimidated, threatened, and in some cases spit on. All because they are saving the lives of COVID-19 patients.

No one should feel unsafe at their workplace and this legislation will provide healthcare workers the confidence and legal protections to safely access their workplaces.

We also know that intimidation can also manifest through online forums, not only in person. We are protecting healthcare workers here as well. In the age of social media and digital technology we know that online threats can be just as real as those faced in front of a workplace. No individual should be able to use fear to stop a health care worker or those who assist them from performing their duties.

Our legislation will not only protect healthcare workers, but those accessing healthcare as well. In many cases, those accessing healthcare are the most vulnerable, particularly during this pandemic. This summer, an individual went to Toronto from Prince Edward Island to wait for a lung transplant, was leaving their hospital after a physiotherapy session. They had to be escorted by police to protect them from an unmasked group blocking access to and from the hospital. We cannot accept this behaviour, which is placing our most vulnerable at risk.

This behaviour is not new either, the pandemic has only magnified it. Those working at, and accessing, abortion services have had to deal with this for many years. Now, under this legislation, will protect these healthcare professionals and their patients from threats and violence.

Before my some of those in the opposition falsely begin calling foul by claiming charter violations or restrictions on labour action. This legislation clearly ensures Canadians have the freedom to voice their concerns and protest in a safe and peaceful manner. It also ensures workers’ freedom to take labour action including picketing. These will be respected by these proposed changes to Canada’s criminal law.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of issues facing Canadians in their workplaces. Too many Canadians have been forced to choose between staying home when they are sick or being able to afford rent and groceries. Too many health care workers, those who assist them and Canadians seeking medical care have experienced or feared intimidation while attempting to provide or access health services.

This legislation’s other change, 10 days of paid sick leave, will protecting Canadian’s well-being, support them economically, and avoid pressures on our healthcare system. While this only applies to federally regulated workers that is almost 1 million workers and it will contribute to a wider discussion about paid sick leave across the country.

The pandemic has demonstrated the effect that illness can have on our economy and the cost for individuals and families. With isolations and quarantines lasting up to two weeks, workers need to know that if they contract COVID-19 that they can take the necessary time off work without risking losses to their income.

Not only will this ensure workers do not need to choose between their income and their well-being, but this will also avoid spreading COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses in the workplace. There have been too many stories of outbreaks in workplaces that happened because individuals felt they had to come into work because they could not afford to take unpaid time off. This often results in negative economic effects for companies as well.

Not only will this help workers but be a preventive measure for our healthcare system. We have all experienced lockdowns throughout the last 20 months to avoid our hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. This is another measure to prevent outbreaks at workplaces from driving up case numbers, putting our healthcare system at risk now or in the future.

For Canadians not employed in a federally-regulated industry, our Government will be engaging in consultations with federally regulated employers and workers towards the implementation of this legislation. Additionally, the Government will convene provinces, territories and other interested stakeholders to develop a national action plan to legislate paid sick leave across the country, while respecting provincial-territorial jurisdiction and clearly recognizing the unique needs of small business owners.

10 days paid sick leave is another tool in creating a more resilient economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.