Barnett House Closure Update

Severe weather flooded the ATA’s main office building, Barnett House on Friday July 10.

Crews and administration are assessing damage and determining reclamation of key electrical systems.

Staff have transitioned to working from home, and continue to serve members online and by phone.

The Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO) in Calgary is unaffected and conducts business per usual.

Overview of EI Benefits

Please refer to Employment Insurance and Teachers—Canada.ca for the most up to date information.

Who is eligible?

Regular benefits are available to teachers who

have lost their jobs through no fault of their own,
are able to work and
are temporarily unable to find work.

Teachers are eligible to apply for regular benefits if they

have paid EI premiums,
have been without work for at least seven consecutive days and
have worked a specified number of hours based on the unemployment rate in their area.

If approved for regular benefits, teachers must

actively seek employment throughout a claim and
keep records of their job search for EI audit purposes.

Special benefits maximum coverage

Maternity benefits—15 weeks
Parental/adoption benefits—35 weeks
Sickness benefits—15 weeks
Compassionate care benefits—26 weeks in a 52-week period

Special benefits periods sometimes happen during regular benefit periods. Contact Service Canada to determine if you qualify for combined benefits.

Generally, EI benefits are different depending on a teacher’s contract status. You will need expert advice in how to best access your EI benefits. Contact Teacher Employment Services (TES).