Minister of Labour and Immigration Jason Copping. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta Labour Minister clarifies COVID-19 job protection measures

Apr 14, 2020 | 10:45 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Minister of Labour and Immigration Jason Copping responded to questions in the legislature this week regarding laws around job protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf acknowledged that he has heard from many local families who are concerned about their abilities to pay their bills.

He asked Copping what steps he will be taking to ensure Albertans can look after themselves and their families.

Copping said changes were made to the Employment Standard Code this week.

“Effective March 17, employees who need to care for children impacted by school and daycare closures or caring for a self-isolating family member due to COVID-19 is entitled to unpaid job-protected leave. We have also waived the 90-day employment requirement and the leave length is flexible.”

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Neudorf’s next question was around those who have been temporarily laid off. “How are you helping to ensure that these Albertans can return to the workforce once they get through this global health crisis?”

Copping responded by saying that a lot of businesses have had to make difficult decisions to lay people off. Others were forced to shut their doors after the province announced the closure of non-essential businesses last month.

He does not know how long we will be in this situation.

“That is why we’ve increased the maximum time for a temporary layoff related to COVID-19 from 60 to 120 days. This change is retroactive for any temporary layoff that occurred on or after March 17. These changes will allow employees to stay attached to workplaces longer and help Albertans get back to work quickly once the recovery starts.”

The MLA’s final question was around how the government will ensure job creators will have the full range of options and the ability to be flexible both now and during the recovery period, given the uncertainty around the duration of the pandemic and the need to protect public health.

“We’ve heard from businesses that it’s challenging to operate under the current standards during this unprecedented crisis,” said Copping. “Given higher absenteeism rates than normal, it’s important that employers and employees work together to deliver critical services that Albertans need to get through this pandemic.”

“That is why we made changes to allow greater flexibility and scheduling while still ensuring businesses give notice to employees as soon as practical.”

The full video of Neudorf’s and Copping’s exchange can be viewed below.