RCC disappointed by limits of expanded Critical Worker Benefit Program in Alberta
June 24, 2021
The Alberta government has announced a new phase to its controversial Critical Worker Benefit program, which provided $1,200 payments to over 277,800 lower income frontline workers in the healthcare, education, food, and medical supply sectors, including those employed by grocery stores and pharmacies.
New categories of eligible workers perceived to face greater potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 were added in late 2020, including those making $25 per hour or less in truck transportation, light duty cleaners and janitors, security guards, delivery drivers, and restaurant cooks and servers.
While some of these roles apply to members, RCC has expressed significant disappointment that the UCP government continues to exclude many retail categories that were considered “essential” in 2020 under the government’s own definition.
For questions or more information contact
John Graham
Director, Government Relations (Prairies)
jgraham@retailcouncil.org
204 926-8624
