Changes to health care funding have led to the ending of the patient ambassador program effective April 30.
To support impacted members in private sector sites, HEU has set up a Screener Retraining Fund. With a $500,000 commitment, the fund will provide opportunities to help members transition to new jobs in the health care system.
The fund will cover programs related to any health care occupation that falls under one of HEU’s collective agreements.
You can take your training at public colleges or universities. In some special cases, the fund may also support training at private colleges if that’s the only option available.
The program must be under two years in length.
Who is eligible for this funding?
- Members must have been laid off or displaced from one of the following roles: Ambassador, Greeter, Screener, or casual positions in related roles
- Displacement (lay-off) must have occurred after September 2024.
- Must have worked in the private sector, or spent the majority of their hours in the private sector
- Must have successfully completed the probation period
Please check out the FAQs below. They will answer many of your questions.
If you think you are eligible, please download and fill out the PDF application form at the bottom of this page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by email or phone.
- Email: infoeoaf@heu.org
- Phone: 672 727 0286
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the HEU Screener Retraining Fund?
The HEU Screener Retraining Fund helps HEU members who worked as ambassadors, screeners or greeters, and were laid off or displaced after September 2024. It provides money to help pay for training or education that can lead to a job in healthcare. The fund will cover programs related to any health care occupation that falls under one of HEU’s collective agreements.
- Who can apply for this fund?
If you were an ambassador, screener, or greeter in the private sector between September 2024 and April 2025 or later, you can apply for this fund. You can confirm your eligibility by contacting us.
- How do I apply for the fund?
If you are eligible you can apply for the fund by filling out the registration form. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
- Email: infoeoaf@heu.org
- Phone: 672 727 0286
- What do I need to show to get money back for my course?
You may be asked for official proof of payment, receipts or invoices that clearly show the costs.
- What types of courses or training are allowed?
The fund will cover programs related to any health care occupation that falls under one of HEU’s collective agreements. The program must be under 2 years in length.
For example:
Program/course University/college Mode of delivery Course length Approximate tuition fees Medical Office Administration Certificate Camosun College In person, Victoria 8 months full time $5,066 Health Care Assistant Certificate Capilano University In person, North Vancouver 16 months full time $6,193 Activity Assistant Associate Certificate College of the Rockies Online 4 months full time $3,499 - Where can I take the training?
You can take your training in-person or online at public colleges, universities, or non-profit organizations. In some special cases, the fund may also support training at private colleges if that is the only option available.
- How do I know if a school is public?
You can find a list of public schools here: Find an institution - Province of BC
- What if my application is not approved?
If your application is denied, you’ll get a message explaining why. You can fix your application and try again or contact the EOAF team to get help or other options.
- Can I apply for more than one training program or course?
Feel free to contact the EOAF team to discuss.
- What costs does the funding cover?
The fund can help pay for:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Textbooks
- Other costs related to training, including a daily allowance.
Make sure to retain all receipts or proof of these costs.
- What is not covered by the funding?
- Dependent care (child care or elder)
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- I have already finished a course. Can I still get reimbursed?
Please apply and we will review your application and get back to you.
- How long does it take to find out if I’ll get reimbursed?
Application processing time may vary, and we try to process them as soon as possible typically within 4 weeks.
- Can HEU pay tuition directly, or do members have to pay first and get reimbursed?
No, members must pay first and then get reimbursed.
- Does it affect my EI if I get the $125 daily allowance?
Please check this link for more information about EI: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/courses-training.html
- Is the daily allowance considered income for tax purposes?
Yes, we issue a T4 document for this allowance.
- Do I still get the $125 daily allowance if I have a casual job while I’m studying?
Casuals are eligible for a maximum combination of five training allowance days/shifts worked per week (pay stubs required for verification of all training allowance claimed).
For example, if a member attended an instructor led in-person/online class or practicum Monday to Friday and picked up shifts Saturday and Friday, the maximum eligible training allowance would be calculated as follows: three eligible training allowance days plus two days of shifts worked, resulting in a total maximum combination of five days for training allowance and shifts worked.
The training allowance is not eligible when members attend class/practicum and work on the same day.
- If I have a casual job with my current employer while I’m studying, can I maintain my seniority?
Yes, but note that the hours you spend in your training program or course do not count toward your seniority.
Watch video instructions
This video of a recorded information session provides more information about the Screeners Retraining Fund.
Screener Retraining Fund application form
Please download the PDF application form below. You can fill it out in one of two ways:
- Open the form in Acrobat, fill it out and save it, then email it to: infoeoaf@heu.org
- Download the form, print it and fill it out by hand, then mail to:
Screener Retraining Fund
Hospital Employees' Union
5000 North Fraser Way,
Burnaby BC V5J 5M3