News Briefs

Sask. workers earning more than ever

Regina — Average weekly earnings for workers in Saskatchewan hit an all-time high in August, topping out at $808.82, according to Statistics Canada. That puts the province in third place nationally, trailing only Alberta ($941.80) and Ontario ($853.43). Wages were up 0.7 per cent month over month and 1.3 per cent higher than August 2008. Average weekly wages in British Columbia were $802.70, while Manitoba clocked in at $771.59.

Program helps provincial offenders find jobs

Prince Albert, Sask. — A program to help provincial offenders land jobs when they get out of jail is up and running. The Supported Transition to Employment Program (STEP) was created at Jubilation Residential Centres in partnership with Catholic Family Services of Prince Albert and North Saskatchewan River Métis Local 269 to provide up to 210 male and female offenders with employment services to transition them from the criminal justice system to the labour market. The program, which received $200,000 in funding from the province, runs until April 30, 2010. Yogi Huyghebaert, minister of corrections, public safety and policing, praised the STEP program: “By helping offenders with the skills they need to reintegrate back into the community, this initiative will also help reduce the risk of reoffending,” he said.

OH&S, employment standards charges and prosecutions now online

Edmonton — Alberta has launched a website that offers the latest information on individuals or companies that have been charged under the Employment Standards Code or the Occupational Health and Safety Act. New information will be posted to the website within five working days of a charge being laid, said the province. For more information, visit www.employment.alberta.ca/prosecutions.

Number of CHRPs grows in Manitoba

Winnipeg — Almost 400 HR professionals in Manitoba hold the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, according to the 2009 annual report from the Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba (HRMAM), which was released at the end of September. During the course of the year, 94 HRMAM members passed the National Knowledge Exam and became CHRP candidates and 64 CHRP candidates successfully passed the National Professional Practice Assessment and became CHRPs. A total of 396 of HRMAM’s 1,300 members have the CHRP designation.

HRMAM posts small surplus

Winnipeg — The Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba posted a surplus of $66,095 for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, according to its annual report. It had revenue of $870,125 and expenses of $804,030. It also reported total assets of $566,021 for the year ending May 31, 2009. The annual report also lays out the association’s strategic plan and priorities for the next 12 months, which include the creation of a dedicated members services position and a new logo. The 12-page report, The Business of People, is available at www.hrmam.org.

Meet your HRIA board of directors

Edmonton — The Human Resources Institute of Alberta has announced its 2009/2010 board of directors. Returning are Claudia Verburgh (president), Myles Morris, Angèle Mullins, Heather Yewchuk, Connie Scott, Patricia Cobbledick and Allan Friesen. Newly elected board members are Charlotte Bouchard (president-elect), Shannon Friesen and Don Lipsett. Lisa Henderson was also appointed representative for the Central Alberta Human Resources Management Association.

Pharmacists can give vaccine injections

Victoria — Specially trained pharmacists in British Columbia can now provide patients with vaccine injections. About 150 pharmacists across the province have already completed the training, and additional sessions are scheduled for upcoming months. Having additional health-care professionals to administer vaccinations — including H1N1 vaccines — gives patients more choice and increased access to health care, something especially important during the flu season, said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon.

Alberta looking for top employers

Edmonton — The Alberta government is looking for top employers of youth, Aboriginals and persons with disabilities. The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction will be presented during a formal awards night in Edmonton in February 2010. Eleven awards will be handed out, honouring both employers and individuals. For more information, or to nominate a top employer, visit www.abbusinessawards.ab.ca.