Resources for termination of employment.

• Author: Doyle, Marilyn

The Edmonton Journal recently reported layoff notices way up in 2015: "Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 10, 18 Alberta employers disclosed plans to terminate a total of 4,544 workers." Further, "Statistics Canada figures show the province gained 13,700 jobs in January, but lost 1,000 in the natural resources sector (it includes oil and gas, mining and forestry) and another 3,700 in the "professional, scientific and technical" jobs category, which includes geologists and engineers working in the energy sector.

If you are laid off, your first question may be whether you were given appropriate notice or termination pay. If you belong to a union, the collective agreement will spell out the requirements as well as a grievance process. Otherwise, you will want to determine whether Alberta's employment standards apply to you. The Government of Alberta provides a fact sheet on Termination of Employment and Temporary Layoff that outlines the rules. If you residing elsewhere in Canada, you can find the contact information for your employment standards department on this webpage: Labour standards in Canada.

The Government of Canada has pulled together a full set of resources to address the concerns that arise when you have lost your job. From this page you can access resources to:

* See if you qualify for Employment Insurance ( temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have lost their job)

* Use a checklist about things to do if you lose your job to help you cope financially through these difficult times.

* Check out tools to help you find a job, create a resume, choose a career, and assess your skills.

* Explore education and training opportunities, public and private sector job opportunities and hiring...