With nearly 100,000 Fort McMurray residents displaced, it's important to know your responsibilities as an employer, and what your next steps should be going forward.

If you are an employer in the Fort McMurray area, these FAQs could pertain to you:

Q: What are my responsibilities with employees who I cannot employ at this point because my business has burned down?

• You can steer them to Service Canada Centre so they can attain EI or seek alternate employment.

• Normally, a Record of Employment which details how many weeks of Insurable Earnings your employees have is necessary. However, due to the sheer volume of people affected and the severity of the situation in Fort McMurray, the federal government is allowing those affected to apply online, in person, and even without a record of employment. The government has also provided a reference code online to accelerate the processing of Employment Insurance (EI) claims. 

• As of right now, beyond the immediate assistance provided to evacuees, there have been no updates on what the plan is for those who are no longer able to work due to the fires. Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that the federal government will be matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross in support of disaster relief in Fort McMurray. So far, some $30 million has been raised to help the evacuees.

• Do you have email addresses or cell phone numbers for them? Your benefits provider or bank may have personal information for them. Do you have any computer records that weren’t demolished? Either of these could be helpful.

• You do not have any formal obligations other than providing the ROE and notifying your benefit carriers and insurance providers. That being said, if you are in a position to do so, you can assist them through fundraising efforts or with company donations.

• Anything you can. They will need accommodation, daycare so they can look for work and assistance in contacting their insurance vendors. They will also need food, water and clothing.

• You will have to try to compile it. Alternatively, you can ask any of your systems providers or banking folks if they have any of your lists or information that you can replicate.

 If you need assistance for your business, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!