By Rosemary Pon
Human Resources Consultant - RJP Ventures Inc

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure...
This is Especially True in Human Resources

Employers have rights and responsibilities in various human resources related areas. To prevent potential blunders that can be costly to business owners, education on various human resources matters is worth the time and money spent. Below is a listing of organizations that provide information on legislations, publications, newsletters and seminars and workshops to help you keep abreast of legislative changes and legal cases the impact the landscape of human resource areas in the workplace. Many of these organizations will also provide consultative services to review your draft policies and guide you to address your specific situation. Often, many of their services are cost free to employers.

Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission provides up-to-date information as legal rulings on human rights. For more information, see www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/employment/default.asp.

Alberta Employment Standards provides information on minimum standards of employment for Alberta employers and employees in the workplace. Click on www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/
employmentstandards/about/index.asp.

Canada Revenue Agency offers information on payroll, taxable benefits, T4s, etc. Check out http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html

Human Resources and Social Development Canada provides information on employment insurance and record of employment. Explore: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/business
/cluster/category/eiie.shtml

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety promotes a safe and healthy working environment. They provide information and advice about occupational health and safety. See www.ccohs.ca.

Alberta Workplace Health and Safety provides legislation and regulation information, tracks occupational fatalities, instructs how to develop workplace health and safety programs, and provides advice for young workers. Visit www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/whs/law/index.asp.

Workers Compensation Board of Alberta is an employer-funded organization, operating independently to provide cost-effective disability and liability insurance for Alberta employers and workers. See http://www.wcb.ab.ca/home/

Employers should not hesitate to contact any of these agencies in advance to avoid potential landmines and to create and maintain a healthy and productive work environment for employees.