UPDATE: COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)
Dear members,
 
We have been closely monitoring events surrounding COVID-19. The safety of our staff, members and their families is always our top priority.

Merit members have exclusive access to a member only weekly webinar by Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP specific to COVID-19 and the workplace.

The first will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 9 a.m. MDT. To register click on the button below. Space is limited to 300 registrations. Specifics on the webinar (link/call-in numbers) will be emailed to participants on Monday, March 16.

Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP has also provided a frequently asked question (FAQ) document for your reference (link below). This information is continuously updated.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Canada Life initiated a temporary change to their claim requirements to waive the waiting period and allow for quarantine claims because of COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) and the fact that this is a serious public health issue.
 
This temporary change allows for companies with short term disability (STD) benefits to collaborate with public health authorities working in communities across Canada to limit the spread of the virus. This encourages those who display symptoms to stay at home and seek medical attention only if their symptoms are severe.
 
This change allows:
  • Affected plan members to remain at home rather than visit their doctor’s office (limits the spread of infection)
  • Plan members the chance to claim short-term disability (STD) benefits without delay.
 
Merit Benefits continues to work hard to protect our members and help ensure a safe work environment. We commend Canada Life for working quickly to make these changes. Effective immediately, plan members with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) will not need to have their doctor fill out an Attending Physician’s Statement. The member has the option to complete the new Plan Member Confirmation of Illness Form. This form will be sent via email upon request (once eligibility is confirmed).  
 
Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact our Benefits team via email .
 
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
The Government of Canada has announced changes to Canada’s sick-leave benefits under employment insurance (EI) in response to concerns about COVID-19. For the most up to date information we encourage you to visit the Government of Canada’s website – specifically the Employment Insurance benefits section of the site.
Upon review of announcements by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health the decision has been made on the following:
 
  • Merit’s Evening of Excellence is postponed until 2021. The team is working through details and up to date information will be shared on meritalberta.com

  • All in-class/in-person training sessions with Merit’s College of Construction are suspended effective immediately. This decision will be re-evaluated at the end of the training season in June. Members can access the full catalogue of online training modules at meritalberta.com/training

As this is an evolving situation, it is my commitment to keep an open dialogue with our members. We thank you for your continued support.
 
Sincerely,
Malcolm D. Kirkland
President/Chief Executive Officer
Merit Contractors Association