New Saskatchewan employment law changes affect worker tips and sick leave

Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

REGINA — Changes to employment standards in Saskatchewan kick in today, affecting workers who collect tips or call in sick.

The new rules prevent employers from deducting or withholding tips from employees.

The province says workers who’ve had their tips held back can file complaints to the director of employment standards, who can force an employer to pay what’s owed.

The regulations also restrict employers from asking for a sick note unless an employee has been away for five consecutive working days.

The government says long-term sick leave has been extended to 27 weeks to align with federal rules.

Those who have experienced a pregnancy loss are also eligible for maternity leave, and a new 16-week unpaid leave is available for people who’ve experienced interpersonal violence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 1, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press