The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour statement on increasing paid domestic violence leave from three to five days

We are pleased to acknowledge the significant step the Nova Scotia Government has taken to increase the paid domestic violence leave from three to five days. This is an improvement which the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is glad to have helped influence. Although we know that this is less than ten days of paid leave for which we initially pushed for, this improvement is much greater than having no paid days and is certainly an enhancement from the three-day provision achieved with the Liberals.

It was not that long ago in our province’s history that there was no paid domestic violence leave at all. Just because we have not yet gotten to ten days of paid leave doesn’t mean we have given up on that goal. We will continue to advocate for more paid days of domestic violence leave to help get victims out of situations of abuse. With six recent deaths in our province we know we can all do more and we must do all we can to help victims of domestic abuse.

This expansion of paid domestic leave means many will be given more help to get out of situations as victims of domestic abuse. We know that additional paid days of domestic violence leave will undoubtedly be an assistance eagerly needed by victims, providing a little more safety and comfort when they need it most. This is positive step, but let’s also acknowledge that more work still needs to be done. The NSFL will still be working to advance paid domestic violence leave.  Let’s continue to move the needle towards greater support for domestic abuse victims.