Gatineau, Quebec, July 19, 2011—Government of Canada employees are reaching out to help employees affected by the sudden closure of IQT Solutions.
“We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of this tragic event on these hard-working Canadians,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “I encourage former IQT employees to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits immediately in order to avoid any possible loss of benefits.”
Individuals can apply for their EI benefits as soon as they lose their job without having a copy of their Record of Employment. It is important that they apply quickly. In instances where the employer has failed to provide a Record of Employment, or in situations of mass lay-offs, Service Canada will make every attempt to contact and work with the employer.
When a company files for bankruptcy, affected employees may be eligible to receive payment for owed wages, vacation pay, termination pay and severance pay under the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) should they meet the eligibility criteria.
Affected employees can obtain program and eligibility information by visiting www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/wepp/index.shtml, calling the WEPP-dedicated call centre at 1‑866‑683-6516 or going to any Service Canada Centre.
Service Canada will monitor the local situation on an ongoing basis. It will provide immediate response to the affected employers and workers, ensuring timely access to federal and, where possible, provincial programs and services.
For more information about the EI Program, please visit servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1-800-206-7218.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
