Critical illness insurance is not something you want to think about. But it is protection you want to have should you become critically ill and no longer able to work. Money is one of the last things you want to have to worry about if you are diagnosed with cancer or suffer a heart attack, but a serious illness can devastate your finances.
 
Optional critical illness insurance can help with your finances while you focus on your recovery. It is one of the most cost-effective things you will ever do to protect your savings.
This type of insurance can give you a tax-free payment if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Your contract will define which conditions are covered, but examples include cancer, heart attack and stroke.
Many assume that the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan or workplace benefit plans (such as the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan [ASEBP]) will cover many of the additional medical costs associated with a life-altering illness. However, these plans might not cover all the extra costs that come with managing a critical illness, such as home care, travel and accommodations, lost work wages, childcare, gas and meals. Over time, these expenses can add up.
Capital Estate Planning provides the Association’s Voluntary Benefits Program, a unique program built specifically for Alberta teachers and their families. This program includes critical illness insurance, group savings plans (RRSP, TFSA, RESP and RRIF), additional life insurance, and mortgage insurance.
Until November 30, 2023, teachers can apply for up to $50,000 in guaranteed acceptance critical illness insurance for themselves and up to $10,000 for their children. No medical questions are asked, and acceptance is guaranteed, regardless of medical history.
For more information, visit https://specialmarkets.ia.ca/applyata/home or call Capital Estate Planning at 780-463-6128 or 1-800-661-8755.
 
 
WORTH SHARING
A critical illness can devastate your finances. When you are sick, money is the last thing you want to consider. Critical illness insurance can help cover your costs. Visit https://specialmarkets.ia.ca/applyata/home or call Capital Estate Planning at 780-463-6128 or 1‑800-661-8755. #WEAREATA
 

Effective September 1, 2022, Bill 85 amended the Education Act by adding a requirement to have updated criminal records and vulnerable sector checks. Section 2(7) of Bill 85 amended the Education Act by adding section 229.1, Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks. Bill 85 applies to those whose employment requires a certificate of qualification as a teacher, a leadership certificate or a superintendent leadership certificate. The legislation requires that the checks be completed by January 1, 2024 and must be updated every five years.

All school divisions must enforce the legislation and are required to ensure the results of those checks demonstrate that the teacher continues to be suitable for employment in their position. Failure to provide the necessary checks by the deadline imposed by the legislation, without some clear and demonstrable proof of the steps taken to obtain them, may result in a member encountering significant issues related to their employment relationship with their division. Teachers must comply with the legislation by providing the checks, even if their division has not offered a method or system to address the requirements.

Teachers do not have to incur the cost of the five-year criminal record check. Many divisions have worked with local law enforcement detachments to provide opportunities for members to obtain the checks. However, teachers who cannot provide the checks due to loss of the documents or failure to pick up or download them by the issuing agency’s deadline or starting new employment will be responsible for the cost of the initial check or its reissuance.
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If you have a criminal conviction (or charge, subject to the terms of your employment contract) and failed to report this to your division, you should seek the advice of Teacher Employment Services (1-800-232-7208). In this situation, most members would benefit from proactively addressing the issue with their division rather than waiting until their updated criminal record and vulnerable sector check is submitted.
 
WORTH SHARING
The deadline of January 1, 2024, is fast approaching for compliance with the Education Act to provide updated criminal and vulnerable sector checks. Teachers need to provide the checks to their division by the deadline to avoid potential issues. Contact Teacher Employment Services for more assistance. #WEAREATA