DECEMBER 2016 EDITION
THE BUZZ ON YOUR BENEFITS
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Did you know....as an "in-benefit" member of Merit, you and your dependents are covered while travelling by the Global Medical Assistance Program (GMA)?

Through your Merit plan, you have coverage for medical emergencies while travelling anywhere that's more than 500 kms from home. 

Here are some of the great services GMA offers: 
- Access to medical advisors
- Courtesy assistance for replacing lost passports
- Assistance with unattended children
- Return of your vehicle
- Transportation reimbursement
- Medical evacuation
- Family member travel assistance
- Travelling companion expenses
- Transportation of remains

  While travelling be sure to carry your GMA card with you.  
    For more information or to obtain your GMA card contact Merit at 1-844-MERIT4U (637-4848).
INSIDE STORIES
In 2014 my husband and I decided to take a winter vacation to Mexico. I called Merit about our travel coverage and picked up the Global Medical Assistance (GMA) card.

We were in Mexico for a day when I started experiencing problems with my ear. After some snorkeling the pain became unbearable and I knew I would need to see a doctor.

As I had been advised by Merit, my first call was to GMS. All I had to give them was our plan number and they were eager to help me. They set up my claim, gave me the names of the doctors in close proximity to our hotel, and told me what a visit would cost. When I said I would pay for the fee myself, they detailed the process of claiming reimbursement when I got home. My visit to the doctor went well, and I was able to enjoy the rest of my vacation in spite of a burst ear drum.

When we got home I received a call from GMS to check on how I was doing. They ran through the reimbursement process with me again to ensure I understood.

When you go on a trip of a lifetime you never expect to have a medical emergency. That's why Merit's emergency medical travel insurance is so great. As long as you're in benefit, you and your family have coverage and peace of mind at no extra cost.    My advice...before you travel make sure you read and understand your coverage and take your GMS card with you!

Deb Martin
Articulate Masonry, Prince Albert
WHAT'S NEW AT MERIT
Looking for information on what Merit offers you?

Then checkout the new EMPLOYEE PAGE
 on the meritsask.com website.  In just one click you'll find information about
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* Benefit Coverage
* Education Bursary program
* Training Options
* Discounts from Various Stores

You'll also find archived additions of Merit Matters!
TRAINING NEWS
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2017 TRAINING PROGRAMS

MERIT has something for everyone in 2017! 
 

 

Foreman Training - Learn the basics of managing people and managing a work site. Topics include communications, team building, productivity, quality control and scheduling.

3 Gold Seal Points

Supervisory Basics - Take your leadership skills to the next level by learning the skills to manage conflict, difficult employees, performance and job stress. 3 Gold Seal Points

Construction Law - Learn about contractual responsibilities from the bidding process to dispute resolution, including how to avoid disputes and litigation. Up to 5 Gold Seal Points 

Collections for Contractors- Learn how to more effectively get paid for your work and effective methods of turning bad debts into paid accounts.

Buildforce Canada  provides web-based training in a variety of subjects, including Construction Ethics, a requirement for Gold Seal Certification.

United Academy  offers Equipment Operator Certification and safety courses, combining on site and online learning.

 

WEBINARS
Watch for upcoming announcements on new "on-demand" webinars.
APPRENTICESHIP NEWS
INCREASE IN APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING TUITION FEES

Effective January 1, 2017, technical training tuition will increase from $85 per week to $95 per week, as a result in increased training costs. The increased tuition fee means 
apprentices will now pay about $760 per year, as opposed to $680 per year, an approximate increase of about $80 per year. Click HERE for rates for each of the trades and/or levels.

Effective October 1, 2016 apprenticeship registration also increased from $150 to $175.  Access to Accuplacer and Myfoundationslab will now cost $25 per person.
 
Please note that Merit will continue to refund the FULL COST of tuition through our Education Bursary Program .
MERIT AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
SAVE THE DATE!!!

The 5th Annual Merit Awards of Excellence,  will be held in Saskatoon on Friday, April 21, 2017!

Check out what others have said about the event  HERE!!

It's never too soon to start thinking about nominating a colleague, an employee, or your employer.  The new and simpl ified n omination process makes it easy for everyone to get involved.



 
2017 PREMIUM Prize Package for 
Award Winners!!




Click HERE to learn more about nominating by March 17, 2017!    
 
WHY YOU SHOULD NOMINATE
"Just being nominated for this award was an honor, but to actually win was a thrill of a lifetime"

When I first found out that I was nominated for the award, I thought "WOW"!  Everyone told me how appreciated I was, and how hard I worked, but this was an award!

Awards night arrived, and before I knew it they were announcing my name as the winner of the Office Employee of the Year award.  All I could think was "Wow, now what?" I  really didn't think that I would win and didn't have an acceptance speech prepared! (Let that be a lesson to all you nominees.)

To this day I am very proud to be a part of the Allan Construction family. The company has given me so many reasons to enjoy my work.
 
Merit's Awards event allowed me to be recognized  for my hard work, which truly encourages me to continue to be my best.

Sherry Klein, Office Administrator
Allan Construction - Saskatoon
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOUR HELP!
This is our second edition of Merit Matters, and we'd like to hear from you!

- Is this newsletter providing you with good information?
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- Is there other information you would like to see?
- Do you have a personal story to share about
   your experience with the Merit Plan?

If so, we'd LOVE to hear from you!
Contact Us
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