Hiring Service Providers - For Parents
In “direct-hire” situations, the parents are expected to assume all employer responsibilities: the service provider becomes the parents’ employee and is paid directly by the parent. Individuals hired by an agency become employees of that agency and employer requirements - including staff payment, income tax deductions and employer contributions for EI and CPP - become the agency’s responsibility.
Topics
Resources for Parents
Contact Us
- Dial 310-0000 and ask to be connected to your nearest FSCD Office.
- Contact your local FSCD office
Families who are hiring caregivers may be considered employers by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The following resources may be of assistance to families regarding their specific situations.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
CRA will determine if an employer/employee relationship exists between a family and their caregiver. Families are encouraged to contact CRA and request a ruling. CRA makes this determination on case-by-case basis. The toll-free number for CRA is 1-800-959-5525.
As an employer, the family is legally obligated to comply with all relevant employment laws and is required to pay CRA directly on a monthly basis for Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and personal income taxes for their employees.
Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website. The booklet “Employee or Self-Employed?” can be accessed at this location.
TOP OF PAGE
Alberta Employment Standards
Employment Standards oversees the legislation affecting working conditions and standards in Alberta relating to the hiring of employees. They can provide families with information about minimum wage, hours of work, vacation time and over time pay.
Families have toll-free access from anywhere in Alberta by calling the Government Rite number at 310-0000 and asking for the Employment Standards Client Services Office.
Information on Alberta Employment Standards can be found on their web site.TOP OF PAGE
Workers' Compensation Board - Alberta (WCB)
Workers’ Compensation is a disability insurance system set up to protect both the employer and their employees. Inquiries regarding the possible requirement to provide WCB coverage and what these requirements are should be directed to the WCB.
Families have toll-free access from anywhere in the province by calling the Government Rite number at 310-0000 and asking to be connected to the nearest WCB office or visit thier website.
TOP OF PAGE
Financial and Payroll Responsibilities
To address the record keeping and/or payroll requirements of being an employer, some families may seek the advice and services of an accountant, a Payroll Service or with assistance of the CRA staff fulfill these responsibilities on their own. Some payroll services may be available online or by telephone.
TOP OF PAGE
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety
Information on Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety can be found on their website. This website provides information, guides and resources on Alberta and federal occupational health and safety requirements for the workplace, and information on hiring employees. They can be reached toll-free at 1-888-576-4444.
TOP OF PAGE
Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
The Commission provides public information and assistance to help Albertans resolve human rights complaints.
Northern Local Office Confidential Inquiry Line (780) 427-7661
Southern Local Office Confidential Inquiry Line (403) 297-6571
To call toll-free within Alberta, dial 310-0000 and then enter the area code and phone number.
TOP OF PAGE
Insurance
A family may want to contact to their personal insurance agent or company regarding their homeowner policy and options for legal liability insurance, if employing a worker in the family home.
TOP OF PAGE
Legal Advice
Some families may wish to seek legal advice prior to or during the process of becoming established as an employer.
