A Level 6 wildfire continues to burn through north-west Alberta.
As a result, approximately 4,000 people, including 750 from the Bushe River Reserve and the entire town of High Level, have been forced to evacuate their homes.
This has had a major impact on evacuees and all Albertans in the region, and AUPE support staff are working to provide updates for you.
As of Friday, May 24, the Public Service Commission has confirmed that AUPE members working in provincial government services will continued to be paid as per usual.
AHS members will continue to receive pay based on regularly scheduled shifts as well as pre-scheduled picked up shifts, including shift premiums, up to and including June 2.
Additionally, as of Sunday, May 26, evacuees from the region can apply for emergency financial aid from the province. Evacuees can apply to the government for a one-time payment of $1,250 per adult and $500 per dependent child by registering at the MyAlberta Digital ID website (www.account.alberta.ca).
If you are able to do so, please contact your employer’s Human Resources department to confirm your safety and provide your contact information so that you may receive breaking updates.
AUPE support staff will continue working on behalf of all affected AUPE members to address your concerns. There will be more updates to come as we receive more information.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the AUPE Member Resource Centre at: 1-800-232-7284.
Our thoughts and solidarity are with everyone affected by this emergency.