We hope everyone is staying safe, practicing social distancing and washing your hands constantly.
The federal government announced this morning some emergency measures to help employees during this difficult time which include granting an emergency support benefit through Employment Insurance for those who are not presently eligible for Employment Insurance. The government has further announced that banks and lending institutions may grant extensions on mortgage payments and other payments, depending on the financial institution. (see your financial institutions website). Please see the attached link for full details for full federal government release: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html
Each provincial government is reviewing further relief including but not limited to the inability of landlords to evict renters at this time, possible rent relief or postponement wording. Please see the attached websites links for possible further income assistance subject to qualifying:
BC: https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca/
Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx
Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/msrfap/
Ontario: https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/ow/help/financial_assistance.aspx
Note each provincial government’s financial assistance program varies. Not everyone is eligible. Wording and changes are updated daily based on press releases.
Reminders:
- Please direct all inquiries regarding employment insurance to your Regional Manager or HR. There have been questions regarding what to put on your Record of Employment claim for the reason.
- Those who were sick or in quarantine prior to any office closures, you will be entering sickness – due to COVID-19
- Those who are affected due to office closures you are entering your claim as regular benefits -we will be submitting as Code K – Other due to shutdown related to COVID. This is not a work shortage but required shutdowns.
- On the screen “Reference Code” you will enter “no” – this is not a mass layoff.
- Benefits – Any benefits you had in effect at the time of the start of your leave will stay in force.
- Please do not make any social media posts that relate to 123Dentist or your particular dental office.
Each and every one of you are a valuable resource to us and we look forward to welcoming each of you back once this difficult period ends.
Stay safe, take care of your families and each other!
Sandra Morrison, CPM, CPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President, Human Resources
