We’re here to help

To help you navigate these challenging times, this page provides information on pandemic-related restrictions, support measures, government services, and useful CFIB resources for Alberta. You’ll also learn how CFIB is fighting for your business.

Update:

March 1, 2022 - As of March 1, 2022 Alberta has removed all COVID-19 restrictions across the province including indoor masking and capacity restrictions. The following restrictions remain: 

  • COVID-19 specific measures in continuing care and AHS facilities and on public transit
  • Isolation is still legally required for people who have COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive 

Click here  for more information about public health measures. 

Help us amplify your voice for better support

To get through the pandemic and its impacts, your business will need better and more flexible help from the government of Alberta. Join the fight for greater relief.

hero_8-3

Use our operational plan template

Protecting your staff, customers, and business is a top priority, so we’ve put together an operational plan template to help you do just that. With tips for best practices, advice on meeting provincial compliance requirements, and links to downloadable COVID-19 resources, the plan is clear, concise, and easy to tailor to your needs.

5_7-2

Public health measures & restrictions

PPE/OHS/Mental health

PPE suppliers

Non-AHS facilities are encouraged to request PPE through the government’s one-stop email address at pessecc-logistics@gov.ab.ca.

Learn more by visiting the government of Alberta’s page on “Personal protective equipment”.

Employee management

Rapid Testing

The Alberta government has a free rapid testing program available for small businesses. Small businesses must first apply to use the government's rapid testing kits at no cost.

More information can be found on the Alberta government's rapid testing website, which also includes a link to the step-by-step antigen screening video.

You can email rapidtesting@gov.ab.ca if you have any questions.

On May 19, 2021, the Alberta government hosted an exclusive webinar for CFIB members. You can also look at the webinar presentation and the webinar Q&A for more information.

 

 

OH&S and employment standards/Labour legislation change

  • More information about workplace rules can be found on the government of Alberta’s page “Alberta Biz Connect” under “Workplace Rules”.
  • COVID-19 Temporary Layoff Period: Increased the maximum time for temporary layoffs from 60 days to 180 days. This change is retroactive for temporary layoffs related to COVID-19 that occurred on or after March 17, 2020.
  • Quarantine leave: Employees are entitled to 14 days of unpaid, job-protected leave if they are required to quarantine due to COVID-19. This leave can be taken more than once.
  • Family responsibility leave: Created a job-protected leave for employees caring for children affected by school and daycare closures or ill or self-isolated family members due to COVID-19

Vaccine

For more information about the Alberta government’s vaccine plan, please visit the government of Alberta’s page on “COVID-19 vaccine program”.

Mental health

Online resources are available if you need advice on handling stressful situations.

Help in Tough Times (AHS)

Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)

If you need to talk, call the 24-hour help lines:

Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642

Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322

 

Do I need a vaccination policy?

It may be possible to put a vaccination policy in place, or to make being vaccinated a condition of employment; however, it is important that accommodations are made for employees who cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons. It is worth noting that terminating an employee for not getting the vaccine could lead to a claim of unfair dismissal.

Before implementing a mandatory vaccination policy, consider the following:

  • Does the workplace serve a vulnerable population?
  • What is the nature and duration of the employee’s contact with that population?
  • Assess risk for different positions – you may want to avoid an all-employee blanket policy.
  • Ensure the policy is clear and employees understand consequences for non-compliance.

It is strongly recommended you consult with legal counsel to evaluate the risk of a mandatory vaccination policy in your workplace.

CFIB has a template vaccination policy available to members in our Resource Library. Please note: due to the legal implications, our Advisors are not in a position to help customize this template. To customize it, you should speak with a lawyer.

Financial relief & government support

What CFIB is doing in Alberta

What we’ve achieved

  • Expansion of the Alberta SME Relaunch Grant
  • Expansion from $5,000 to $30,000
  • Grant available to new businesses and sole proprietors
  • Application deadline extended to June 30, 2021
  • Reopening plan for small businesses
  • A training and wage subsidy program to help businesses hire workers
  • Tourism levy deferral extended to June 30, 2022
  • Education property tax freeze for two years
  • Extension of the COVID-19 temporary layoff period from 120 days to 180 days
  • WCB premium deferrals and 50% rebate in 2020
  • Commercial eviction protection for businesses that was retroactive to March 17, 2020 and in place until August 31, 2020
  • COVID-19 grant programs in Calgary and Edmonton
  • Extension of temporary patio relief for Alberta's largest municipalities into 2021

What we’re asking for

  • Re-open the SME Relaunch Grant to businesses affected by the September 2021 restrictions and public health orders
  • Financially support businesses in the Business Restriction Exemption Program
  • Allow businesses to access rounds 1 & 2 of the SME Relaunch Grant
  • Postpone any new taxes or cost increases set to happen in 2021
  • To re-introduce commercial eviction protection legislation to last until the province is well past its reopening plan

Visit our COVID-19 Help Centre

Our primary concern at CFIB is making sure you have the support you need to get through this uncertain and challenging time. We provide you with expert advice and ensure that you have all of the latest information on government announcements and available support.

hero-tools-resources-2