Family responsibilities – IPG-096

The purpose of this Interpretation, Policy and Guideline (IPG) is to define the scope of the terms "responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members" and "responsibilities related to the education of any of their family members who are under 18 years of age" specified in sections 174.1 and 206.6 within the meaning of Divisions I & VII, Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Code).

Issue

The following provisions have been added to the Code:

• right to refuse – 174.1. This provision applies to all employees (includes persons often referred to as “interns”)
• personal leave – 206.6. This provision applies to all employees and student interns

A standard interpretation and application are required nationally for the terms:

• "responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members", and
• "responsibilities related to the education of any of their family members who are under 18 years of age"

This IPG addresses the following:

• responsibilities related to the health or care of an employee's or student intern’s family member
• responsibilities related to the education of a family member under the age of 18 years

Interpretation

In this context, "responsibility" refers to the constraint imposed by moral or social rules to have to take care of something or someone.

For the purpose of section 174.1 and paragraph 206.6(1)(b), carrying out responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members would include activities such as but not limited to:

• accompanying the family member to an appointment with a health care practitioner
• accompanying the family member to a surgery
• accompanying the family member to the hospital or other medical institutions (for example, labs and clinics) to undergo scheduled medical tests
• picking up the family member from school due to an illness, injury or medical emergency
• taking care of a young child for a day following an unexpected school or day care closure
• taking care of a sick or injured family member at home
• making arrangements for a family member's long-term care
• helping move an elderly family member into a more suitable residence

However, the following activities would not qualify as health or care related responsibilities:

• attending a family social gathering
• routinely walking the dog, buying groceries or watering the plants of a family member
• helping with a family member's wedding arrangements
• dealing with non-urgent legal issues (for example, wills, powers of attorney, do not resuscitate orders) for the family member
• picking up mail, going to the bank, paying bills for the family member

For the purpose of section 174.1 and paragraph 206.6(1)(c), carrying out responsibilities related to the education of any of their family members who are under 18 years of age would include activities such as but not limited to:

• attending parent-teacher interviews and meetings
• meeting with education specialists to optimize the child's development
• meeting with a school counsellor or principal to discuss behavioural challenges at school
• accompanying a student with special needs to ensure they can participate in an educational activity
• attending a school orientation or registration meeting

However, the following activities would not qualify as education-related responsibilities:

• attending a school-related performance
• accompanying a child on an extracurricular activity
• accompanying an independent, older child for their first day at school
• bringing a child to a community art class or sporting activity
• helping a family member study for an exam