What about layoffs, leaves, WCB coverage and EI?

Many companies have laid off workers as COVID-19 forces businesses to close. Alberta’s Employment Standards Code requires workers to get one week's notice if on the job for less than two years, and two weeks if employed longer. Some employment contracts require longer notice periods.

In April, the federal government announced support for businesses through the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) which covers 75% of an employee's wages, up to $847 a week. The program is in place until June 6, 2020.

Temporary changes to the Employment Standards Code will allow full and part-time employees to take 14 days of job-protected leave if they are required to self-isolate or care for a child or dependent adult that is self-isolating. Employees can ask to use vacation or banked overtime, but employers don’t have to grant the request. Employers can ask workers to volunteer to take vacation or banked overtime during the leave.

Workers may be entitled to WCB compensation if they contract COVID-19 as a direct result of their employment, the Workers Compensation Board said in an employee fact sheet. An acute care hospital worker who treats COVID-19 patients would likely be covered because they are performing what is deemed an "essential service" where they are in regular contact with the general public. Employers don’t need to report cases where a staff member caught COVID-19 from a co-worker.

Federal support coverage changes are complex but currently include a Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) which provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks to workers who: 

• Are at least 15 years old;
• Have stopped working because of "reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020";
• Had employment or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or the 12 months before applying;
• Have not voluntarily quit their job. 

For a full list of the supports available, visit the federal government's Economic Response Plan information page. Covid-19 Continuity is another source of useful information for businesses navigating the various programs.