The ITA’s position on Training Schools
“The BC Building Trades has been in touch with the Industry Training Authority regarding the advice they are providing ITA funded training providers.
The ITA is in communication with government and other institutions and is following the advice of provincial health authorities. At this time, the ITA is encouraging each trainer to use their own judgement on whether to hold classes next week.
Shelley Gray made it clear in our conversations that public health was the ITAs priority and concerns over funding should not prevent trainers from cancelling classes if you determine it is needed.
We also committed to coordinating information on EI for apprentices. The ITA recently received confirmation that the EI process will be reviewed for apprentices caught mid training. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The ITA was also notified that the Canadian Apprenticeship Loan (CAL) will have extensions put on it as well.”
EI for our Members who are self isolated
The federal government has waived the waiting period for EI for those who are quarantined due to COVID-19. They have also waived the requirement for a DR’s note. Initially, when Paddy Hajdu spoke to the press about this she said that this would apply (1) to those who qualify for EI, and (2) to those who have been ordered to quarantine/self-isolate by a medical professional.
She subsequently acknowledged that due to the serious and evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic they would likely award the medical EI for those in self-isolation at their own election without a DR’s note.
Service Canada has set up a toll free # for those seeking EI for self-isolation: 1-833-381-2725