« Back to News

April 2025: Statutory Holidays, Seasonal Safety Tips for Spring, and Financial Support Services Through TELUS Health

Posted on Apr 16, 2025

Statutory Holidays 

In Canada, we have both federal and provincial observed holidays. A statutory holiday (also known as "stats", "general" or "public" holiday) in Canada is legislated either by the federal government or the provincial or territorial government.  For example, Good Friday is a public holiday at a national level in Canada.

In addition, there are optional holidays commonly observed but not legally mandated to observe. Alberta has a few optional holidays, and Easter Monday is one of those that Heartland Housing Foundation has chosen to observe.  Those who qualify and work on a stat will be paid as such. 

Heartland Housing Foundation (HHF) recognizes the following Thirteen (13) general holidays: New Year’s Day, Alberta Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Heritage Day, Labour Day, Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. 

 

Spring Into Safety!  Seasonal Safety Tips for a Safer Spring 

As the weather warms up and we head into spring, it's the perfect time to refresh our safety habits! Here are a few important tips to keep everyone safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy the season: 

 

Watch for Weather Shifts 

Spring can bring sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms, high winds, and slippery conditions.  

Safety Tip: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and make sure appropriate gear is available for outdoor tasks—like rain jackets, slip-resistant boots, and proper eye protection for windy conditions. 

Stay Hydrated 

With rising temperatures, it's easy to become dehydrated—especially if you're working outside or doing physical labour. 

Safety Tip: Drink water regularly throughout your shift, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks when working in the heat. 

 

Be Aware of Insects & Allergens 

Springtime means bees, wasps, ticks, and high pollen levels are back.

Safety Tip: Wear long sleeves and pants, when possible, use insect repellent, and keep allergy medications handy if you're prone to seasonal allergies. 

Tidy Up for Spring Cleaning 

Warmer months are ideal for organizing tools, inspecting equipment, and clearing out clutter. 

Safety Tip: When doing spring cleaning, lift with your legs (not your back), use proper PPE (gloves, goggles, etc.), and ensure walkways are clear to prevent trips and falls. 

 

Inspect and Maintain Equipment 

Temperature swings can affect machinery and tools. 

Safety Tip: Perform a full spring inspection of all job-related equipment. Look for wear and tear, fluid leaks, and any parts that need replacing or recalibrating. 

Let’s all take a moment to reset our safety focus this spring. A few small precautions can make a big difference in keeping our workplace safe and efficient. Stay safe out there—and enjoy the season!  

 

Financial Support Services Through TELUS Health (Formerly LifeWorks) 

Every Employee of Heartland Housing Foundation has access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

https://heartland-housing.lifeworks.com/home 

User name: heartland 

Password: eap 

Plan your financial future with confidence. Convenient, personalized and interactive, Financial Support Services are available to help you and your family understand and solve every day and complex financial concerns. Gain valuable insight and the tools to build a solid financial plan. 

Financial Support Services – Concerned and overwhelmed about the financial landscape? Help is a call or click away! EAP Financial Support Services is a good first step towards understanding and solving financial concerns. Tackle those money-stressors with the guidance of our expert advisors. 

Our Financial Support Services are designed to suit your learning, lifestyle and comfort level. We offer the following options for financial support: 

Online Financial Planning Service - This interactive and personalized online program provides financial education and helps you create an action plan for your future. Convenient and secure, you can access the program online anytime, anywhere. The three-month program begins with an assessment to determine your individual financial situation, and a tailored action plan is built from your assessment results. You will use worksheets, calculators and task lists to keep your plan on track. 

Financial Consultations - Seek professional financial advice through confidential in-person or telephonic consultations. We can help relieve the stress you may have when dealing with financial matters and planning. Our advisors will provide you with answers to your financial questions and recommend a course of action to meet your goals. Should you need more personalized or specific financial advice, you will be referred to a financial advisor who can support your unique needs. 

CareNow Program - Achieving Financial Wellbeing – This program is designed to help individuals learn good money management habits so that they can achieve greater financial literacy in their day-to-day life.  

  • To access this program, please visit the TELUS Health platform (website/mobile app) and click on “Wellbeing” from the top navigation and scroll down to the "CareNow" section. Select the "Achieving Financial Wellbeing"  program and follow the steps.  

 

Financial well-being causes high stress among 75% of employees. Please see the additional resources and support available on the TelusHealth platform :