Ontarians have three new ways to take time off work in order to look after loved ones.

Changes to the Ontario employment standards act came into effect on Wednesday, aimed at ensuring workers who need a leave of absence to act as caregivers to loved ones will not lose their jobs as a result.

"The one thing working Ontarians need most when it comes to caring for seriously ill or injured family members is time to be with their loved ones," Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn said in a statement.

"These new leaves are a matter of compassion. They will increase job security and are the right thing to do for Ontario families."

The Ministry of Labour passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Leaves to Help Families), 2014, which builds on the existing Family Medical Leave policy outlined by the Ontario government.

The amendment adds the following job-protected leaves:

  • Family Caregiver Leave: up to eight weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for employees to provide care or support to a family member with a serious medical condition.
  • Critically Ill Child Care Leave: up to 37 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to provide care to a critically child.
  • Crime-Related Child Death or Disappearance Leave: up to 52 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for parents of a missing child and up to 104 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for parents of a child who has died as a result of a crime.

Those taking Family Caregiver Leave or Critically Ill Child Care Leave must give their employer a note from a doctor.

All employees who are covered by the Employment Standards Act, 2000, including part-time, full-time, permanent, or term contract, are entitled to leave.

Exceptions to the ESA include diplomatic personnel, employees under federal jurisdiction, employees of the Crown or Crown agencies, students participating in work-study programs, inmates, politicians, judges, and religious leaders.

Anyone taking either of the child-related leaves may also be eligible for two new federal benefits, one for ill children and one for murdered or missing children.