FAQ for S.i. Systems contractors on assignment or deployed on a project
Q: What if I test positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Do not report to work if you are on an assignment or project. Immediately let your client know you have tested positive for COVID-19, and ask for further guidance from them. Alternatively contact your Account Executive, and they will communicate with the client directly. Self-quarantine as per provincial or federal government standards.
Q: What if I may have been exposed at my worksite to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
Please contact your Account Executive immediately that you believe you’ve been exposed at your worksite to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. You’ll be given further guidance.
Q: What if I feel sick? What should I do?
Your health and wellbeing are of the utmost importance. Contact your client if you are sick, do not report to work, or if at work, go home immediately. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home until you have recovered and have been medically cleared to return to work. Your Account Executive can inform the client about your availability and when you are able to return to work.
Q: What if the client’s worksite closes?
You will be paid all outstanding amounts prior to the worksite closing. Your client may decide to accommodate remote work from home, however this is at their discretion. Ask your client directly if any of the work can be done remotely. If not, your assignment may end or there will be limited or no requirements for services until further notice; this is at the client’s discretion. We will work with you to find another assignment or project, based on your availability and client demand.
Q: Will I get paid if I am home sick?
If you are incorporated, sole proprietorship, or hourly employee, any sick leave is time off without pay. If you are a sole proprietorship or hourly employee you may be eligible to apply for unemployment insurance depending on applicable provincial laws. Contact your local unemployment office.
Q: What government benefit programs are right for me or my company?
Government benefits is a matter best to discuss with your accountant or the government directly. The federal government has released a variety of COVID response benefits online. You can refer your contractor to the government's COVID response website to review and consider the benefit that may be most applicable to them and their business depending on their circumstances. There are variety of benefits potentially available to individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html and to businesses: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html#wage_subsidies
Q: What if I’m asked to travel for my assignment?
If you are comfortable travelling, follow the travel guidelines on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. If you are not comfortable travelling, you are not required to go. Contact your Account Executive and let them know you have been asked to travel and you do not feel comfortable doing so. We will work with the client regarding your concerns.
Q: What if my child’s daycare or school is shut down due to potential Coronavirus exposure?
Explore if you have alternate childcare options. If none are available, work with the client to determine if any of the work can be done remotely. If not, your assignment may end or there will be no requirements for services until further notice; this is at the client’s discretion. We will work with you to find another assignment or project, based on your availability.
Q: What if I’ve taken a personal trip or vacation and traveled to or from another country, should I inform my Account Executive or the client?
If you travelled to a country without Government of Canada or WHO (World Health Organization) travel restrictions, and you are not experiencing any illness or symptoms, you are not required to communicate information about your travel, however we still recommend you tell your client all travel you have recently returned from and take direction from them.
Q: If I don’t work or am unable to work am I guaranteed a minimum number of hours?
If you are unable to work, or do not work there is no guaranteed minimum hours that you will be paid for. All time worked must be validated with a timesheet approved by the client only for worked hours. Such approval allows us to bill the client and forward payment to you or your company.
