horgan said that’s not unusual during the fast-moving pandemic, where ottawa tends to announce programs first and then work with the provinces to implement the details.
it’s unclear if the federal government will fully fund the program or look to provinces to cost share.
“it’s too early to predict that either way,” said horgan. asked when the program should begin, horgan replied: “yesterday. as soon as practicable.”
b.c. has proposed ottawa use its existing employment insurance program, which already pays for certain worker sick leaves. the province has suggested ottawa craft the sick-pay program by waiving ei’s current one-week wait period for ei, and increase the current benefit rate of 55 per cent of a person’s salary.
“why i singled out employment insurance is because that is something that is already functioning and they distribute lots of money into every corner of the country,” said horgan.
“they have a delivery mechanism so the administrative costs of creating the program will be less than if it’s done from ottawa.”
the b.c. provincial health officer, dr. bonnie henry, and health minister adrian dix both said monday that said a sick-pay program will help with pandemic management.