On this page:
Provincial Support
Federal Support
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Employment Insurance
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
- Increased Child Care Benefit
Uncertainty about the current situation is causing anxiety for employees and employers alike. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments are helping with various support programs.
This information is intended for informational purposes only. Businesses and individuals should consult their accountant, financial advisor, or government authorities before applying or making decisions about how they should use this information.
Provincial Support
Critical Worker Benefit
The Critical Worker Benefit provides a one-time payment of $1,200 to eligible Albertans, in recognition of their hard work providing critical care and services. The following categories of workers in hotels are eligible:
- light duty cleaners, janitors and specialized cleaners working in commercial, institution and industrial locations
- workers in full-service restaurants and limited services eating places – workers must be primarily involved in the preparation, cooking or service delivery in an eligible establishment
- security guards
- limousine drivers
Your employer must apply on your behalf. They can do this by logging into their My Alberta Digital ID for Business. The application deadline for the current phase of the CWB program is September 17, 2021, but the application portal may close earlier once funding has run out. The AHLA encourages you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your employees can take advantage of this benefit.
Federal Support
Canada Workers Benefit
The Government of Canada has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Canada Workers Benefit, allowing one million more Canadians to benefit from the program. The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit to help workers earning less than:
- $32,244 as single Canadians, without children;
- $42,197 as single-earner families; or
- $56,197 as double-earner families.
You can claim the CWB when you file your income tax return.
Federal Support
Employment Insurance (For those who have lost their job or are being laid off because of COVID-19 and are not sick)
Employment Insurance (EI) provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (e.g. shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job.
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits (For those affected by COVID-19 & placed in quarantine only)
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits can provide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you cannot work for medical reasons.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada child benefit (CCB) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
- May include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.
Mental Health Support
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. It can depend on a person’s personality and experiences, their social and economic circumstances, and the availability of local resources. Stress can also contribute to workplace harassment and bullying.
Learn more about supporting your employees, as well as yourself, at this stressful time.
Family Violence Support
Isolation is a risk factor for family violence. If you are experiencing family violence, please seek help.
Resources for Family Violence
- Family violence help line (available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports near you): Call 310-1818
- Family violence info line chat (Government of Alberta)
- Family violence- find supports (Government of Alberta)