NEW EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS RULES IN EFFECT NOVEMBER 1ST
New rules are taking effect November 1, such as:
  • Adding flexibility to rules for hours of work averaging arrangements to make it easier for employers to set up arrangements, create schedules, and calculate overtime.
  • Helping youth find work, and reducing red tape and administrative burdens by expanding the types of jobs 13 and 14-year olds are allowed to do without first needing a permit. Employers are still responsible for the health and safety of young workers, and parents still have to provide their consent for 13 and 14-year-olds to work.
  • Clarifying that employees continue to accumulate vacation time while on a job-protected leave.
  • Clarifying rules for rest periods and flexibility in scheduling breaks.
  • Creating simpler and more flexible rules for general holiday pay average daily wage calculations.
  • Creating more flexible rules for payment of final earnings upon termination that allows employers to align payments with their payroll cycles.
  • Allowing employers to quickly correct payroll errors, or recover vacation pay paid in advance, because written authorization is no longer required from the employee to deduct an amount that was overpaid on a paycheque. Employers are still required to notify employees that an amount will be deducted from their paycheque.
  • Giving employers more time to pay administrative penalties if they receive a penalty for breaking rules.
  • Decreasing payment amounts for administrative penalties on a case-by-case basis.
  • Removing specific timing requirements for temporary layoff notices. Written notices are still required.
  • Clarifying that employees can get electronic pay statements as long as they have confidential access and can print a paper copy. This was already accepted in practice, but is now expressly allowed in the law.
  • Allowing an employer and union to agree to alter employment standards rules such as hours of work, notice of work times, days of rest, and overtime hours under hours of work averaging arrangements.
  • More flexible rules for group terminations, length of temporary layoffs, and variances and exemptions took effect earlier this year.

Resources for employers
Fact sheets are available online to help employers understand the new rules. You can also contact Alberta Employment Standards with questions about these rules.

Alberta Employment Standards offers free online webinars that provide details on current employment standards rules. Webinars on the new rules will be available at a later date.
LOCAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES
In order to assist local business in gaining information on business opportunities with local municipalities, Wainwright Garrison etc., the Wainwright Economic Development Office will periodically send out business opportunities featured on   merx.com  and  buyandsell.gc.ca  that pertain particularly to Wainwright and area.

These are systems used by the Government for procurement of goods and services over $25,000.

Click here for the list of   WAINWRIGHT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
PPAA 2020 AGM
The Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta (PPAA) invites you to their AGM being held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 4th.

Register on Eventbrite.

Keynote speaker Patrick Morris, CEO and Director of the investment fund Eat Beyond will be making a short presentation and answering questions from attendees.
FREE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR - NOVEMBER 19TH
Alberta AgTech companies are invited to join a free Alberta Agriculture and Forestry hosted webinar on November 19, 2020 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (MST). IBG Global representatives will share in-market insights and Ag specific opportunities for Alberta exporters. About this Event:

•      Overview of the Ag market in:
•      Ag-Tech Developments that will recreate the industry
•      How Ag-Tech is addressing climate change issues
•      Specific Ag opportunities for Alberta exporters
•      Future trends in Ag over the next five years
TOWN OFFERING 25% REBATE PROMOTION ON LOTS
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, Town Council has approved a policy to provide a 25% rebate on all Town-owned serviced lots. This includes residential, commercial and industrial lots within the Town of Wainwright. 

Council and Administration hopes this promotion will encourage construction and help local contractors and trades with employment, thereby helping to stimulate the local economy and increase the tax base. 

The promotion is for a limited time only, starting on August 5th, 2020 and ending on June 1st, 2021. There are conditions on the promotion such as the lot(s) must be paid in full and the building must be fully constructed prior to receiving the 25% rebate. For full details, contact Carley Herbert or Scott Flett, Director of Planning & Development at the Town Office.
GROWTHX OPPORTUNITY
If you are an Alberta Technology-based program with sales and a team wanting to enhance their sales and marketing, this program is for you! Register now!

Alberta Innovation Network has launches a free cohort based five-month program with Sean Sheppard of GrowthX. To be eligible, companies must:
  • Be an Alberta technology and knowledge-based business,
  • Have a product or service for sale,
  • Have a team of two or more people willing to learn to grow the business, and
  • Companies must register as soon as possible and complete a Market Readiness Assessment and Ideal Customer Profile prior to November 10th.
HIRE A STUDENT REMOTELY
Small businesses and start-ups looking to hire students and recent graduates can apply for up to $7,500 in funding through Venture Canada. Deadline for Winter 2021 applications is November 15, work from home and remote internships are supported.

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY COVID-19
VISIT alberta.ca/COVID19 for up-to-date COVID-19 information
While every effort is made to ensure the currency, accuracy and completeness of the information provided, The Town of Wainwright (Wainwright Economic Development) is not liable for any loss, claim or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information provided.