Liberal Opposition Leader Hal Perry says Monday’s proclamation of paid sick leave in PEI is a long-awaited acknowledgment of the fundamental need for workplace support in times of illness. Perry says that while he’s glad the government took the step forward, he’s disappointed to see that the essence of the Opposition’s original bill has been diluted. Perry says the amendments imposed by the King Government significantly diminished crucial provisions the Liberals put forward — slashing paid sick leave days from 5 to 1 per year, with a gradual increase to 3 after 3 years. Perry says the Progressive Conservatives effectively undermined the core purpose of the bill.