How much funding can be received?

Access up to 40 hours of wages per 12-month period for workers who did not have an existing paid sick leave program as of April 25, 2023, and are sick with illness (or injury not covered by any other act, benefit or program).

Financing terms and conditions

This grant supports wages for sick leave, ensuring financial security for employees and self-employed individuals during illness. It offers structured reimbursement options to maintain workplace health standards.

Reimbursement covers up to 40 hours of wages per employee or self-employed worker per program year.
The rebate specifically covers additional sick leave amounts beyond what employers provide.
Reimbursement does not include overtime, benefits, payroll taxes, or deductions.
No carryover of unused sick leave hours to future program years.
Maximum daily rate for self-employed individuals is set to the current EI maximum if income proof is lacking.
The employer must pay for additional sick leave and then apply for reimbursement.

Eligible projects & activities

The Paid Sick Leave Rebate program supports specific activities where employers and self-employed workers in Yukon can claim reimbursement for wages paid during sick leave periods. The focus is on facilitating paid sick leave to enhance health prioritization and reduce workplace illness spread.

Reimbursement for up to 40 hours of wages paid to employees or self-employed individuals who were unable to work due to illness or eligible injuries.
Application submission for reimbursement including required documentation within 30 days after the sick leave period.

Eligibility criteria of the Paid Sick Leave Rebate program

The eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the company's location, tax status, and compliance with local regulations.

The business must be Yukon-based, meeting at least three of the following criteria:
- Has an office with a physical address in the Yukon.
- Is subject to the Yukon Income Tax Act.
- Is registered as per the Business Corporations Act or the Partnership and Business Name Act, where applicable.
- Has a valid municipal business licence, where applicable.
The program applies only to Yukon employees of Yukon employers whose regular hourly wage is less than or equal to the average Yukon private sector wage of $33.94 per hour.
The employee must be a Yukon resident with a valid Yukon health care card and have worked for the employer for at least 90 consecutive days in the year leading up to the 1st day of leave.

Who is eligible?

Employers in Yukon whose employees earn less than or equal to $33.94 per hour, and self-employed workers in Yukon with average earnings less than or equal to $33.94 per hour. Eligibility criteria include having a physical business presence in Yukon, being subject to the Yukon Income Tax Act, and having necessary business licenses. Certain entities like government bodies and commission-based workers are ineligible.

Who is not eligible

This program is not available to certain types of organizations and industries due to their governmental status or regulatory jurisdictions. These restrictions ensure that the support is directed towards private sector employers and self-employed individuals.

The Government of Yukon and its corporations.
The Government of Canada and its corporations.
Yukon First Nation governments.
Federally-regulated industries.
Municipalities.
Commission-based employees and self-employed workers.

Eligible expenses

This grant focuses on providing financial support for paid sick leave, allowing employers and self-employed workers in the Yukon to prioritize health and manage illness in the workplace effectively. The eligible activities are centered around rebate applications for specific wage hours claimed due to sickness.

Applying for a rebate to cover up to 40 hours of wages for employees who need extended sick leave beyond their employer-provided paid sick leave.
Submitting a rebate application for up to 40 hours of average earnings for self-employed workers during their illness period.

Eligible geographic areas

The Paid Sick Leave Rebate is specifically available to employers and self-employed workers based in the Yukon, Canada. This is due to the program's objective of supporting health and preventing the spread of illness within the Yukon workplace environment.

Employers based in the Yukon with a valid business licence.
Self-employed workers who are Yukon residents and meet certain criteria.

Eligibility criteria of the Paid Sick Leave Rebate program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Employers and self-employed workers must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the Paid Sick Leave Rebate in Yukon.

Employers must have Yukon-based businesses and comply with Employment Standards Act.
Employees must be Yukon residents, have worked for the employer for at least 90 days, and not be part of ineligible categories.
Self-employed workers need to be Yukon residents, have valid business licenses, and meet income criteria.

How to apply to the Paid Sick Leave Rebate program

Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your business or self-employment meets the criteria mentioned in the program guidelines.
Verify that your hourly wage or earnings are less than or equal to $33.94 per hour.
Ensure you have a valid Yukon health care card and a Yukon-based business.

Gather Necessary Documentation

For businesses, prepare a copy of your business licence.
Collect recent employee paystubs indicating sick leave hours, if applicable.
If self-employed, obtain a copy of your most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
Compile proof of self-employment income and registration with the Government of Yukon's Corporate Affairs Branch.

Prepare the Application

Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
Record the sick leave hours as a separate pay category on the paystubs or documentation.

Submit Application Online

Access the online application portal for the Paid Sick Leave Rebate program.
Complete the application form with the required information.
Upload all supporting documents as specified.
Review the application for accuracy and completeness before submission.

Await Confirmation and Possible Audit

Receive confirmation of submission via email, if applicable.
Be prepared for a potential audit by ensuring accurate records are maintained.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications for the rebate are subject to audit by the Government of Yukon, ensuring compliance and proper use of funds.
Employers have the discretion to require proof of illness from employees, although it's not mandated by the program.
The program encourages employers to affirm that the application is in good faith and that submitted details are accurate.
It is crucial for employers to record sick leave hours claimed as a separate pay category on paystubs.
For self-employed individuals, if gross income cannot be proven, the maximum daily rate of $16.25 is applied.

Contact Department of Economic Development (YK)

ecdev@yukon.ca

867-456-3803

Apply to this program

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