JUNE 2018
2018 MERIT AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
This year’s event was one for the books! On May 4th, the German Cultural Center was filled with over 300 employees, employers, sponsors, and special guests. We heard from MERIT members from all over Saskatchewan, touting the invaluable contributions made by employees and employers alike. Hard work and dedication were celebrated as we recognized some of the best men and women the open shop construction field has to offer!

Click here to see the winner nomination and intro videos for each category

Be sure to plan to join us next year for what is sure to be the event of the year! Again!
THE INSIDE STORY
How One Family Benefited from the Employee Family Assistance Program

"A few years ago, my family faced a number of life changing events. I was going through a divorce, and my father had a stroke which led to my moving him to Saskatchewan where I could better care for him. My children were young and were struggling to cope with all of the change. I was having a difficult time and wasn’t sure how to make things better.

My manager learned about my problems at home and referred me to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Through this program, I was connected with resources for both myself and my children. We met with counselors who guided us through the process of divorce, as well as coping methods to deal with caring for an ailing parent. I didn’t have to worry about trying to cover any costs and the service was completely confidential.

I am so grateful for the help we were given. It truly made all the difference at a time when I didn’t know where to turn."

-Anonymous
THE BUZZ ON YOUR BENEFITS

Did you know ... your Employee and Assistance Program (EAP) has just launched a mental health micro-site .

Through the mental health micro-site, the Employee Assistance Program provides you and your family with immediate and confidential support to help resolve work, health, and life challenges to improve your life at NO COST.

Click HERE to access the site. Enter this organization name: MERIT CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION.


You can access the site from your personal computer, laptop or you can download the My EAP app right to your device and have access to support anytime, anywhere.

Always Confidential Access and use of the program is completely confidential. No one, including your employer, coworkers or family, will ever know that you used the program unless you choose to tell them.

Get The Help you Need Having a baby or buying a new home? Want to improve your relationship or manage stress better? Your EAP has resources and tools to help on just about any topic.

Help How you Want Find the support that is right for your lifestyle and comfort level. Choose from online programs, consultation by phone, live chat, and more.

Available Anytime, Anywhere You're constantly on the move, switching from your computer to your phone at a moment's notice. Your EAP provides you with confidential access to support anywhere and everywhere you go.

Pick your Support When you've found the support you want, it's easy to get started right away online. Within a few minutes, you'll be set up to take your first step towards change.

No Cost There is no cost to you to use the program. This benefit is provided to you through your MERIT plan and is available to you and your dependents provided you're in benefit.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
Deadline for Submission of 2017 Health and Dental Claims

All claims for reimbursement of Extended Health and Dental expenses for services provided between January 1 and December 31, 2017 must be received by Great-West Life by June 30, 2018 . If claims for services provided in 2017 are received by Great-West Life after June 30, 2018, they will unfortunately not be paid.

Click HERE for claim forms, or directions on how to sign up for online submission of claims.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Don't Risk Missing Out on Benefits!

Has it been a while since you filled out your initial benefits form ? Think back, who did you list as your beneficiary? How many children did you have at the time? Was your spouse covered on your plan?

Beneficiary - It is very important that you have a beneficiary assigned. Naming a beneficiary takes minutes, costs nothing, and doesn't require help from a lawyer. Unlike a will, naming a beneficiary is private. During a time when your spouse or loved ones shouldn't have to think about these types of decisions, naming a beneficiary makes your wishes clear.

Family Changes - Have you recently had a new baby in the family? Married? Have you added your dependents to your benefit plan? Make sure that all of your dependents are covered with your plan.

Many of your updates can be done online . If you haven't already set up your online account, click HERE to find out how to do it from your desktop computer.

Please note....online access is available to hour bank employees only at this time .
TRAINING NEWS
Merit's training programs have wrapped up for the season, but if you're looking to amp up your game or need some brushing up on your Microsoft Office skills check out our tutorials which were created with you in mind

Need some leadership training now? Buildforce Canada offers online training covering many valuable topics - check it out here and contact us to register you to complete the training from the comfort of your own computer and on your own schedule!
Watch for announcements about our 2019 training lineup - it promises to be cutting edge and tailored to your needs for both on the site and in the office!

REFER A MEMBER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
We invite you to send us the names of any open shop construction companies you feel would benefit from being a member of MERIT.  We accept all referrals as long as the company has at least 3 employees and is directly involved in the construction industry.

What’s in it for you?  If your referral ends up becoming a MERIT member, then we will give you a $250 VISA gift card  PLUS  you’ll get an entry for a fly-in fishing trip for 2 in beautiful Northern Saskatchewan. The draw will be made at the end of 2018 for travel in 2019.

EMAIL  us today with your referral and next summer you could be fly-in fishing!

Thank You for Your Referral!

Dean Taylor recently sent in a referral for Heat Tech, earning himself a $250 VISA Gift Card and an entry for the flyfishing trip!
MEET OUR TEAM



Jenna Murray  is our new (and highly qualified) Office Manager in Prince Albert. Jenna grew up in Manitoba and took her training in Business Administration and Marketing from Red River College. She spent the last four years employed as an office manager with a finance and recruiting agency in Winnipeg. She’s enjoying her recent move to PA and we feel fortunate to have found her before anyone else did!