Public safety personnel also offered 2-year mental health program
Prince Edward Island is launching a new COVID-19 support program for industries impacted by the latest public health restrictions.
With its Wage Rebate for Impacted Industries, the province will provide a 25 per cent rebate on payroll for businesses from Jan. 19 to 31, 2022.
“We know these restrictions create many challenges for Island businesses and their employees. The goal of this program is to help businesses maintain their staff during the public health restrictions,” says Matthew MacKay, minister of economic growth, tourism and culture.
Eligible employers are those operating on the Island that were closed to in-person services because of enhanced public health measures introduced on Jan. 18, 2022:
- gyms, group fitness classes and indoor recreational facilities, bingo halls, museums, casinos, theatres, and cinemas
- full-service restaurants, bars or other licensed premises closed to in-room dining
The new program can also be used in addition to COVID-19 support programs from the federal government.
In November 2021, the federal government introduced Bill C-12 to extend several support programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency payments extended
P.E.I. is also extending the eligibility period for the COVID-19 Emergency Payment for Workers until Jan. 31. Those who applied earlier this month may be eligible to apply again.
Also, anyone who received the payment from the program between Dec. 17, 2021 and Jan. 17, 2022, and continues to meet eligibility criteria can now reapply for the second eligibility period, which runs from Jan. 18 to 31, 2022.
The program provides a $500 payment to workers who have lost income due to the public health restrictions announced since Dec. 17, 2021 and have been laid off completely or had their hours reduced by at least 25 per cent.
Mental health supports
P.E.I. is also launching a new mental health program for public safety personnel.
The Public Safety Calls is a new bilingual, confidential, evidence-based program, developed and delivered by trained clinicians and researchers from the University of Regina’s clinical research unit. The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) is also a government partner in this program.
Under the program, correctional workers, volunteer and career firefighters, search and rescue volunteers, paramedics, police officers and public safety communicators can access a free online mental health support program.
“There are close to 1,300 Islanders who volunteer or who have chosen a career to serve and protect Islanders and this province. The toll this can take on their mental health has been well documented, and we need to do something to support them,” says Bloyce Thompson, minister of justice and public safety.
Nearly half of Canadians (48 per cent) are more stressed to start 2022 than they were during the first lockdowns in 2020, according to a previous report.
“Public Safety Calls, with the expertise of the PSPNET therapists, is designed with public safety partners and the traumatic events they experience in mind. I am optimistic that this program and the clinical researchers involved will serve Island first responders and public safety officers well so that they can continue doing the difficult job of keeping us all safe,” says Thompson.
The two-year pilot program will also provide participants with up to 16 weeks of therapist support and up to two eight-week courses, the PSP Wellbeing Course and PSP PTSD Course.
Participants will also receive secure weekly online and phone supports from a trained therapist, where they are provided individual support and are able to learn various skills and techniques to identify and manage anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress or injury.
