Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
If you are an employee or employer who is curious about your rights and responsibilities, Smoky River Adult Learning (SRAL) is hosting a seminar on June 9 that will provide the information you’re looking for.
“Some of us have noticed an uptick in the number of clients who are concerned with the standard of employment some employers are providing,” explains Smoky River Adult Learning executive director Leslie Carbone.
“Our goal is to not only protect employees, but also employers. The employment standards in Alberta were updated a couple of years ago, and we feel that if everyone is familiar with the latest standards, there should be less room for error,” Carbone adds.
Carbone also says newcomers to the province or country and youth just entering the workforce find these standards are a new concept, and SRAL wants to ensure everyone is informed.
The Temporary Foreign Worker/Newcomers (people who hold work permits) will start at 6 p.m. on June 9 and the seminar for Citizens and Permanent Residents will follow and start at 7:15 p.m.
“We are excited to have Brian Krueger, who is the team lead for the Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office, and Shauna Ho, who is a partnership and outreach consultant,” says Carbone.
“Both are part of the Employment Standards Program Delivery Branch of Jobs, Economy, and Trade in the Government of Alberta. We would like to see both employees and employers from our region attend this seminar, and also welcome youth who will be entering the workforce in the near future.”
There is room for 25 people to attend in person, but Carbone says there is also an opportunity to join the presentation virtually.
“Employee rights and responsibilities are important to ensure that all employees are made aware of what they should be doing to promote a safe and healthy work environment for themselves as well as their colleagues,” she explains.
“Whether you’re an employee or an employer, it’s important to understand employment standards and to know where to go if you need help or advice.”
The presentation starting at 6 pm for temporary foreign workers and individuals with work permits will cover an overview of the Temporary Foreign Workers Advisory Office, Temporary Foreign Workers, International Students, Employers, Paid Representatives, Unpaid Representatives, Reporting Abuse or Filing a Complaint, and Human Trafficking.
Employment Standards Code, For Citizens and Permanent Residents at 7:15 p.m., sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. It covers a wide range of topics, such as hours of work, overtime, vacation pay, general holidays, and termination of employment, among others.
Carbone explains the purpose of the code is to establish fair and consistent standards for employers and employees in the province, ensuring that every worker is treated fairly and receives basic rights and protections.
“It is good to know the employment standards for yourself and those you work with, and gaining an understanding what is and is not allowed protects employees and employers,” she says.
“The employment standards of Alberta are updated from time to time, and both employees and employers can keep up-to-date with workshops such as this one. This hybrid (in-person/online) event offers the opportunity for participants to ask questions or get clarification about anything they are unsure of.”
Whether you’re attending in person at the M.D. of Smoky River building (701 Main Street) in Falher, or you would like to attend virtually, pre-registration is required. Please phone (780)837-3013.