Author of the article: Lisa Johnson
Publishing date: Feb 18, 2021 • February 18, 2021 • 4 minute read • Labour and Immigration Minister Jason Copping announces Alberta s plan to recognize hundreds of thousands of critical workers who continue to support and provide services to Albertans during this pandemic at a news conference from Belmont Sobeys in northeast Edmonton on Feb. 10, 2021. Photo by supplied
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Frontline workers at some Alberta non-profits will get the $1,200 benefit for serving in critical roles throughout the pandemic after the government appeared to take a U-turn Thursday.
When the Critical Worker Benefit application portal opened Wednesday evening, it specifically listed non-profit organizations in the private sector as ineligible.
Albertans must continue following all public health guidelines, including cooperating with contact tracers, to stop the spread and protect the health-care system.
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Alberta reported 325 new cases of COVID-19 on 9,376 tests and seven additional deaths on Friday.
Alberta will begin administering COVID-19 vaccine to seniors 75 and over and those living in congregate seniors’ care settings who have yet to receive the jab.
Canadian health officials said tough public measures should be maintained to prevent new variants of COVID-19 from triggering a third wave.
Lapses in compliance to some COVID-19 protocols were among the causes of the fall outbreak at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre that infected 95 and killed 12, according to internal Alberta Health Services emails.
WestJet has temporarily suspended service to four Canadian locations, including two in Alberta, because of reduced demand.
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This week, Alberta’s government launched the Critical Worker Benefit.
Under this benefit, approximately 380,000 workers who provide critical services to Albertans will receive a one-time payment of $1,200. The benefit will be available to workers in the health care, social services, education and private sectors who deliver critical services to Albertans.
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The Critical Worker Benefit is a joint federal-provincial program that will see $465 million go to support private and public sector workers. These frontline workers have worked tirelessly to help support fellow Albertans throughout the pandemic, and through this benefit, Alberta’s government is recognizing their hard work.