The Government of Alberta is looking to protect those that fear losing their jobs over sick days.

Under Bill 17, which was introduced yesterday (May 25), employers would receive up to five days of job protected leave for minor illnesses or time to care for a family member.

If passed, the Bill will also allow for up to 16 days of unpaid protected leave for a long term illness.

Minister of Labour Christina Gray hopes to push for the Bill to pass as soon as possible.

"It's not, in my opinion, a case where we needed to spend more time because we had so many wonderful submissions, so many great perspectives. We know what those perspectives are and we've put forward a middle ground solution."

While the Wildrose Opposition says they will support the Bill in the Legislature, they feel there's no need to rush the changes to labour rules.

"If the NDP sincerely wants to get this right then they would take the time necessary and spend the summer getting meaningful feedback from concerned stakeholders on these labour code changes," said Shadow Labour Minister Glenn van Djik.

Van Djik agreed that the care and compassion portion of the bill, allowing for sick leave to care for ill family members, should be passed sooner than later.

If it's passed, many of the changes and regulations won't become official until January 1st.

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