Premier Jason Kenney. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Kenney announces $1,200 payments for “critical workers” in Alberta

Feb 10, 2021 | 2:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new one-time payment will soon be made to a variety of critical employees in the province.

The Critical Worker Benefit is a joint initiative by the federal and provincial governments that will give $465-million to 380,000 Albertans by the way of $1,200 cheques.

“These workers have placed themselves at the front line of this pandemic in order to serve their fellow citizens during a crisis. Alberta’s government is recognizing their good work. We trust this support will help these workers continue to protect lives and livelihoods as we keep fighting this pandemic together,” says Premier Jason Kenney.

It will be available to those in healthcare:

• 161,000 workers are eligible
• For orderlies and patient service associates, respiratory therapists and technologists, nurses (RN, RPN, LPN), food services, housekeeping, maintenance workers, and utility clerks

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It will be available to those in social services:

• 45,000 workers are eligible
• For community disability service workers and practitioners, personal care aides, child development workers, family and youth counsellors, crisis intervention and shelter workers, home support workers, seniors lodge staff, cleaners, food preparation, and maintenance workers

It will be available to those in education:

• 36,000 workers are eligible
• For teacher assistants, bus drivers, custodians and cleaning staff, and administration support

It will be available for those making $25/hour or less:

• For critical retail workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations
• For private health provider workers such as dental assistants, massage therapists, and medical administrative assistants
• For food manufacturing and processing workers
• For truck transportation workers, such as truck drivers and delivery and courier services drivers
• For warehouse and storage workers, such as shippers and receivers

Employees must have worked at least 300 hours during the period of October 12, 2020, and January 31, 2021, to qualify.

“I want to thank all the hard-working staff who have gone above and beyond their regular call of duty to support their fellow Albertans throughout this pandemic,” says Labour and Immigration Minister Jason Copping. “This Critical Worker Benefit will go right into the pockets of hard-working Albertans on the front line who have made sacrifices in their own lives for the greater good and well-being of others.”

Eligible public sector employees will not need to apply. They will automatically receive the payment through the government.

Private-sector employers can apply on behalf of eligible employees at alberta.ca/criticalworkerbenefit as of Feb. 17. Employers have until March 19 to apply.

Employers will be responsible for distributing the $1,200 Critical Worker Benefit to their eligible employees.

For detailed information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit alberta.ca/criticalworkerbenefit.