Closed
Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector)
One-time support for eligible Alberta workers
Last Update: May 2, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,200
Timeline
- Open Date : February 10, 2021
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Provides a one-time payment of $1,200 per eligible worker, plus 7.66% additional funding for employers. Supports private sector employers in Alberta with eligible workers in critical service sectors during COVID-19.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,200 $
- Up to 7% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 10, 2021
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Application for the Critical Worker Benefit on behalf of eligible workers
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Grant agreement
- Business registration details
- Pay stubs or payroll records
- Banking information for direct deposit
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private sector for-profit employers
- Sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations
- Employers operating in Alberta
Who is not eligible
- Municipal and federal governments
- Provincial or federal Crown agencies, boards, commissions, or corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Businesses related to cannabis
- Business owners, contractors, self-employed persons, and sole proprietors applying for themselves
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- First Nation communities in Alberta
- Metis Settlements in Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a first completed, first approved basis
- Applicants may be asked for more information through the portal
- Approved employers are notified in the online portal
- A signed grant agreement is required before funding is in force
- Applications may be audited after submission
Additional information
- Phase one is closed.
- Applications are first completed, first approved.
- The program is partly funded by the Government of Canada.
- A public list of funded employers may be published online.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector)?
Provides a one-time payment of $1,200 per eligible worker, plus 7.66% additional funding for employers. Supports private sector employers in Alberta with eligible workers in critical service sectors during COVID-19.
How much funding can be received?
Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) Funds up to 7% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,200 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2021.
Who is eligible for the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) program?
To be eligible for the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) program, you must:
Private sector for-profit employer in Alberta
Workers in eligible sectors or occupations
Workers must meet the hour and wage rules
What expenses are eligible under Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector)?
Application for the Critical Worker Benefit on behalf of eligible workers
Who can I contact for more information about the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector)?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at cwb@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-427-6496.
Where is the Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) available?
The Critical Worker Benefit - Phase Two (Private Sector) program is available the province of Alberta.