Manitobans are now legally entitled to paid time away from work to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

The Tories introduced a bill on Tuesday, proposing up to three hours of paid leave so workers in Manitoba can get vaccinated.

Finance Minister Scott Fielding introduced the bill earlier this week, and it was passed unanimously in the legislature and received royal assent Wednesday.

The bill also protects workers who are unable to work due to COVID-19 or side effects from the vaccine.

"As of tonight, new changes to Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code now legally require employers to allow their workers a three-hour paid leave to receive their #COVID19 vaccinations," Fielding says in a tweet sent out on Wednesday.