The Saskatchewan Employment Act allows eligible employees to take certain leaves of absence, including citizenship ceremony leave. Once an employee becomes eligible, their employer has a legal obligation to provide them with an unpaid half-day leave for their Canadian citizenship ceremony. This leave exists to enable employees to obtain their citizenship without the worry of losing their job.
Employer Responsibilities
In Saskatchewan, employees who have worked with an employer for more than 13 consecutive weeks and are new Canadian citizens can avail of the Citizenship Ceremony Leave. Employers are not legally required to provide them with leave earlier than this time period for eligibility, however, they may if they wish to do so. Likewise, employers may choose to provide pay for this type of leave although it isn’t a legal requirement. These decisions should be communicated in a company policy on leaves of absence.
Employers should keep in mind that the Saskatchewan Employment Act outlines only the minimum employment standards required of employers, and if they wish to provide employees with additional benefits they may do so.
Notice Requirements
Employees who intend to take Citizenship Ceremony Leave must give their employer advance notice as soon as is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances.
Need further clarification on how to manage leaves of absence?
Call Employerline to speak with our HR experts about citizenship ceremony leave or any other leave of absence. We provide business owners with advice on how to manage absenteeism and how to meet their obligations under provincial legislation: 1 (833) 247-3652.