A London MPP's private member's bill that provides victims of sexual or domestic violence paid leave at work has passed second reading at Queens Park.
On Thursday, MPPs supported Bill 177, which entitles victims up to ten days of paid leave to obtain services such as medical attention, counseling, temporary or permanent relocation, legal or law enforcement assistance, as well as the ability to participate in civil or criminal proceedings.
"This bill provides a safety net so they know they aren't going to jeopardize their employment if they have been a victim of a sexual assault or domestic violence," says London West MPP Peggy Sattler, who helped to spearhead the bill. "Four out of five of those who have experienced domestic violence say that it has had negative impact on their ability to perform at work."
Sattler says the bill will also require all employers to provide workplace training on domestic and sexual violence. And for those who use up their paid leave, the bill would also ensure reasonable unpaid leave for victims.
The London West MPP says Bill 177 has now been referred to the Justice Committee and will eventually be called to the committee for public input. After that, the bill will move forward to a third reading.
"This [bill] is an opportunity to address some of the gaps that we see with the government's current initiatives," says Sattler.
