IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burnaby, B.C. (May 20, 2020): Yesterday, in a decision commended by BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), the provincial government announced it will provide “hero pay” to essential workers who provide front-line services in settings like hospitals, long-term care homes, and assisted living residences.
“People at the front lines of the pandemic are working tirelessly to keep us and our loved ones healthy, while also delivering services to the most vulnerable in our community,” Minister of Finance Carole James said in a statement. “This cost-shared program with the federal government will benefit thousands of British Columbia’s front-line health and social service workers.”
More than 250,000 eligible front-line workers, including those in long-term care, assisted living, and publicly-funded home and community care sectors, will receive a lump-sum payment of about $4 per hour for a 16-week period, starting on March 15th, 2020.
Earlier this month, the Government of Canada announced it will contribute up to $3 billion through a cost-sharing agreement with provinces and territories to help boost wages for essential workers earning less than $2,500 per month.
“Frontline workers across B.C. and Canada have been working tirelessly to deliver the vital services our communities depend on during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says BCCPA Board President Aly Devji. “BCCPA thanks the provincial and federal governments for their swift action in recognizing their contributions and supporting them through these challenging times.”
The $4/hour wage increase will be provided in addition to increases due to wage leveling in the long-term care and assisted living sector. Eligible workers will receive the payment directly through their employer and do not need to apply.
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Media Contact
Rumana D’Souza
Acting Manager of Communications
(778) 681-4859
rumana@bccare.ca
About BC Care Providers Association
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 340 long-term care, assisted living, home care, home support, independent living, and commercial members from across British Columbia.
