Provincial Press Release June 22, 2021 @ 2:56 pm published 4:36 pm
76,500 more workers to receive a one-time payment to recognize the risks they have taken to support Albertans and the economy.
The Critical Worker Benefit is a joint federal-provincial program with $465 million available to recognize the hard work of critical workers during the pandemic.
During the first round of the Critical Worker Benefit Alberta’s government provided $1,200 payments to over 277,800 workers in the healthcare, social services, education and private sectors who deliver critical services to Albertans or support food and medical supply chains. Workers in new job categories will be eligible for the same $1,200 payment. This includes workers in social services and the private sector who provided critical services to Albertans, were essential to the supply and movement of goods, and faced greater potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their work environments.
“Thanks to all Alberta employees who have continued working to provide services to Albertans and keep our economy running. To show appreciation for as many workers as possible, more $1,200 payments will be going to recognize workers in critical sectors who have not yet received a payment.” Jason Copping, Minister of Labour and Immigration
“Given the many ways that foodservice staff have provided essential services to Albertans throughout the pandemic, we welcome this recognition of their efforts. Our industry is now looking forward to playing a key role feeding the province’s recovery from this public health and economic crisis.” Mark von Schellwitz, Restaurants Canada vice president, Western Canada
“Members of the taxi industry are thankful to the Alberta government for recognizing taxi drivers as front-line service providers and offering support through the Critical Worker Benefit.” Naeem Chaudry, president, Calgary City Cabs
“The expansion of the Critical Worker Benefit is a great opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for the critical work our taxi drivers and restaurant workers deliver to Albertans every single day. I am very appreciative of the work they are doing, and I am happy that we are expanding this program to recognize more workers.” Muhammad Yaseen, Parliamentary Secretary of Immigration
To be eligible for the benefit, employees must have worked a minimum of 300 hours during the period of Oct. 12, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021. Support staff working in licensed child care must have worked a minimum of 243 hours during this period.
Eligible social services sector employers do not need to apply. Employers of support staff working in licensed child care programs, disability support workers providing independent living supports, respite, community access, and employment supports, and front-line workers in seniors-serving organizations and non-profit affordable housing providers will be contacted by the Government of Alberta to confirm details.
“I’m inspired by the commitment and dedication of disability support workers, who have been a vital resource for people with disabilities throughout this pandemic. These essential workers have taken on additional challenges and risks to ensure the people they care for are safe, healthy and supported. I’m pleased we can extend the Critical Worker benefit to more workers in this sector.” Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services
“Thank you to the front-line workers in seniors-serving organizations and in affordable housing who have gone above and beyond to support seniors and residents throughout the pandemic. Your hard work and dedication to ensuring the safety of all is greatly appreciated.” Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing
Eligible private sector workers making $25 per hour or less will also qualify for the benefit. These workers include: truck drivers, farmworkers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants and taxi drivers who can demonstrate they worked at least 300 hours during the eligibility period. The complete list of eligible workers for this phase of the program are available in the Application Guidelines for the private sector at alberta.ca/criticalworkerbenefit.
Private sector employers can apply on behalf of employees at alberta.ca/criticalworkerbenefit as of June 22. Employers have until July 23 to apply.
Employers will be responsible for distributing the $1,200 Critical Worker Benefit to their eligible employees.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses, and protect Alberta’s health care system.
Quick facts
Alberta’s government contributed $118 million to the $465 million program.
A total of about $367 million has been spent on about 289,800 workers.
$355 million has been spent on about 277,800 workers in the phase one of the Critical Worker Benefit. This includes social services workers, health care workers, education workers and critical private sector workers, such as grocery cashiers, pharmacy assistants, and gas station attendants.
Announced in April 2020, Alberta also used $12 million of the one-time federal funding along with a provincial investment totalling $30 million to date to provide a $2 an hour wage top-up for about 12,000 health care aides working in long-term care and designated supportive living facilities.
About $99 million is available for about 76,500 workers in the social services and private sectors.
The break down of benefit recipient is:
Up to $18.5 million in the social services sector supporting 14,300 workers
Up to $80.3 million in the private sector supporting 62,200 workers
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