April 3, 2023

In today’s episode: the new federal dental plan, universal contraception coverage in British Columbia, provincial employment updates, celebrating Sikh Heritage in the month of April, empathic leadership, and more. Stay with us to get the latest HR updates. 

1. Canada's federal government proposed ~$13 billion over the next 5 years and $4.4 billion ongoing to implement the national dental-care program | Getting Canadians the dental care they need | Prime Minister of Canada (pm.gc.ca) 
2. The government of British Columbian has rolled out a Universal Contraception Coverage program | Universal contraception coverage starts April 1 | BC Gov News 
3. British Columbia is expanding its training programs for automotive technicians, millwrights and welders in the Vancouver Lower Mainland | Red Seal training brings more qualified tradespeople to B.C. | BC Gov News 
4. The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage from $15.50 to $16.55 an hour on October 1, 2023 | Ontario Increasing Minimum Wage to $16.55 an Hour | Ontario Newsroom 
5. Quebec’s new legislation seeks to set minimum working age at 14 | Quebec bill seeks to set minimum working age at 14 - Montreal | Globalnews.ca 
6. Alberta’s government is hiring more EMS staff, putting more ambulances on the road and strengthening mental health supports for front-line workers | Adding new EMS supports to improve response times | alberta.ca 
7. April is Sick Heritage Month in Canada | Statement by Minister Hussen for Sikh Heritage Month - Canada.ca 
8. EY study reveals that 86% of US employees believe empathetic leadership boosts morale and empathy is essential to fostering an inclusive environment| New EY US Consulting study: employees overwhelmingly expect empathy in the workplace, but many say it feels disingenuous | EY - US