Parental leave job protection to expand

The Alberta government is planning to introduce rules to ensure job protection for 18 months while employees take parental leave.

Federal legislation that takes effect Dec. 2 gives expectant parents the ability to spread their employment insurance benefits over 18 months, instead of the current 12.

“In modernizing our employment legislation that we did last spring, we’ve given ourselves the authority by regulation to ensure that we can keep up with the standards that are brought forward by the federal government,” Premier Rachel Notley said Wednesday in a teleconference from Ottawa. The labour ministry plans to have the rules in place before Jan. 1.

WATERING HOLES REWARDED

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission is recognizing Edmonton businesses for responsible liquor service.

Now in its eighth year, the Best Bar None Edmonton Accreditation and Awards will hand out accolades to bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants and casinos.

Participants from 76 businesses include two employees who work at the Pint on Jasper Avenue.

They are credited with giving first aid to a victim of a truck attack Sept. 30 when several pedestrians were run down, said a Tuesday news release.

The awards ceremony takes place Wednesday at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre.