March 2020 Members Newsletter

 
President’s Update “I’d like to encourage members to review the most recent member update for SOC. As outlined, we have put together a provincial team to focus on SOC Implementation and all related items. There are many aspects of this process which require a lot of attention and this team will be working hard on behalf of our local ensuring the rights of our members are protected and the challenges associated with such significant changes are met head on with the best possible outcomes for all.”

Public Safety Personnel Network  “On January 29th, former Member of Parliament (MP) and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the PSPNET program. The Public Safety Personnel Network (PSPNET) is an on-line platform to allow public safety members to access information and treatment.  One of those treatments is the new internet delivered, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) program.  This is a program involving the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), the University of Regina and the Federal Government. “

Do You Have a Second Job? “Or do union shifts?  Did you know that you need to fill out a TD-1 form for the second job to ensure your taxes are being calculated correctly? The TD-1 form provides for the basic personal exemption amount.  You can only claim this with one employer, so if you earn any income elsewhere you need to fill out a TD-1 form and put 0 for the basic personal exemption and indicate on page 2 of the form that you have another employer.“

Connect and Recover Program “The CAR program, as reported on last convention is coming to the Lower Mainland.  The Union and the Employer met to go over first steps last week and will start the collaborative work to help support roll out. The program goal is to reduce human and financial costs around injuries.  Instead of going off injured for a period of time then trying to re-enter the concept is to stay engaged and working even if it is in a modified working environment. Maintaining connection with the workplace, minimizing the loss of income and decreasing the time needed to reintegrate into work.  ” 

Provincial Safety Message: Coronavirus FAQ “A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the risk to Canadians continues to be low.”