COVID-19 FAQ for Members

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To our Members.

We recognize COVID-19 has created a number of challenges for our members, their families, the industry sectors we support and truly all Albertans. We are committed to providing relevant and up-to-date information and resources to help you through this time. We encourage you to review these links and access the resources and supports that are applicable to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Business Associate.

To reach the Training Tentre, please email training@abcarptc.ab.ca or call 780-455-6532 ext. 4221 to leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Because of Covid-19, the training centre is not at full capacity so we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

The Carpenters International Training Fund has also released a course on Covid-19 Preparedness Qualification in English and French.

Last updated: June 26, 2020

What should I do if I am laid off due to work closures?

  • Apply for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.
  • Canadians who are eligible for Employment Insurance Regular and Sickness Benefits would still be able to access their normal Employment Insurance benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

What should I do if I am laid off and am ineligible for Employment Insurance OR if I am still employed but still not receiving pay?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am laid off or must quarantine? 

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.
  • Canadians who are eligible for Employment Insurance Regular and Sickness Benefits would still be able to access their normal Employment Insurance benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

What should I do if I am self-quarantined and ineligible for Employment Insurance?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am unable to work due to school closures?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am sick?

  • Determine what benefits are available to you through your union by calling 780-471-3200 or visit www.acawtrustfunds.ca.
  • If you are sick, apply for EI Sickness Benefits.
  • If you don’t qualify for EI Sickness Benefits, apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

If I contract COVID-19 on a job site or through work, am I eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits?

Given the sudden changes, what mental health resources are available? 

  • The Construction Employee Family Assistance Program (CEFAP) provides Counselling, Education and Self Development Services. 
  • Contact CEFAP @ 1-800-663-1142. 
  • The Government of Canada also has information on how to manage your mental health during the outbreak.

Do members still need to pay union dues at this time?

  • The Regional Council executive, in conjunction with the executives of Locals 1325 (Edmonton and Northern Alberta) and 2103 (Calgary), have resolved to forgive three months of union dues on behalf of every active member of Locals 1325 and 2103.
  • The payments will be made as of April 30, 2020.
  • Each member is required to review and ensure they keep their dues up to date.

How do I pay my union dues?

  • In Edmonton, call 780-471-3200 or 1-800-272-7905. Leave a detailed message including your full name, union ID number and phone number. Your call will be returned within 1-2 business days.
  • In Calgary, call 403-283-0747.
  • In Fort McMurray, call 780-743-1442 or 1-866-739-7017. Members of Local 1325 may also call the Fort McMurray office to pay their dues.

What should I do if I think might have COVID-19?

There are jobs on the Dispatch page. Are companies hiring? 

How are work-safety rules changing during the Covid-19 outbreak?

  • While jobsites are implementing COVID-19 policies, work safety rules and regulations may vary from site to site.
  • Be sure to check in with and review your site’s work safety rules related to social distancing, bus loading and other standing regulations.

What government resources are available?

All orders of government are providing regular updates regarding COVID-19, including the availability of supports and resources.

What other resources are available?

If you have any questions about your work situation or who to call about your health situation, you can:

  • Visit your Council website
  • Call your local union hall.
  • Call your Business Associate.
  • The Canadian District Office.

What is the best thing to do right now? 

  • Remain calm. Follow the health recommendations of elected officials and health professionals, and work safely. 
  • Take care of your family, friends and neighbours. 
  • Seek help when you need it.

What should I do if I am laid off due to work closures?

  • Apply for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.
  • Canadians who are eligible for Employment Insurance Regular and Sickness Benefits would still be able to access their normal Employment Insurance benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

What should I do if I am laid off and am ineligible for Employment Insurance OR if I am still employed but still not receiving pay?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am laid off or must quarantine? 

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.
  • Canadians who are eligible for Employment Insurance Regular and Sickness Benefits would still be able to access their normal Employment Insurance benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

What should I do if I am self-quarantined and ineligible for Employment Insurance?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am unable to work due to school closures?

  • Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

What should I do if I am sick?

  • Determine what benefits are available to you through your union by calling 780-471-3200 or visit www.acawtrustfunds.ca.
  • If you are sick, apply for EI Sickness Benefits.
  • If you don’t qualify for EI Sickness Benefits, apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (this replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit).
  • Applications open on April 6 and can be accessed through either your CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. For more information, call 613-369-3710.
  • Canadians are being asked to apply based on their birth month to avoid overloading the portal. Applicants born in January through March can apply on April 6, the first day the portal opens. Those born April through June can apply April 7, those born in July through September on April 8 and Canadians with birth months October through December can sign up on April 9.

If I contract COVID-19 on a job site or through work, am I eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits?

Given the sudden changes, what mental health resources are available? 

  • The Construction Employee Family Assistance Program (CEFAP) provides Counselling, Education and Self Development Services. 
  • Contact CEFAP @ 1-800-663-1142. 
  • The Government of Canada also has information on how to manage your mental health during the outbreak:

How do I pay my union dues?

  • In Edmonton, call 780-471-3200 or 1-800-272-7905. Leave a detailed message including your full name, union ID number and phone number. Your call will be returned within 1-2 business days.
  • In Calgary, call 403-283-0747.
  • In Fort McMurray, call 780-743-1442 or 1-866-739-7017. Members of Local 1325 may also call the Fort McMurray office to pay their dues.

What should I do if I think might have COVID-19?

There are jobs on the Dispatch page. Are companies hiring? 

What is happening with training and training certificates?

  • First, visit the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre and check for updates on the website.
  • If you have questions, contact the Training Centre by email at training@abcarptc.ab.ca or by calling 780-455-6532 or toll free at 1-877-455-6532.
  • Please leave a detailed message regarding your question or concern, including your full name, union ID number and phone number. Your message will be returned within 1-2 business days.

How are work-safety rules changing during the COVID-19 outbreak?

  • While jobsites are implementing COVID-19 policies, work safety rules and regulations may vary from site to site.
  • Be sure to check in with and review your site’s work safety rules related to social distancing, bus loading and other standing regulations.

What government resources are available?

All orders of government are providing regular updates regarding COVID-19, including the availability of supports and resources.

What other resources are available?

If you have any questions about your work situation or who to call about your health situation, you can:

  • Visit your Council website
  • Call your local union hall.
  • Call your Business Associate.
  • The Canadian District Office.

What is the best thing to do right now? 

  • Remain calm. Follow the health recommendations of elected officials and health professionals, and work safely. 
  • Take care of your family, friends and neighbours. 
  • Seek help when you need it.