Municipal Pension Plan

Provides a pension income that includes employee and employer contributions and is based on your salary and years of service upon retirement. Please click here to learn more.

Extended Health Care

Provides supplementary coverage for services including prescription drugs, paramedical (physio, chiropractor, acupuncture, RMT, naturopath, podiatrist, psychologist/RSW/RCC, speech therapist), hospital accommodation, vision care, hearing aids, medical supplies.

Please note the collective agreement has a dual coverage restriction which may affect eligibility – see footnote*.

Dental Coverage

Basic (100%); Routine including minor restorative (100%, no maximum); Major restorative (60%, no maximum); Orthodontic (subject to lifetime maximum).

Please note the collective agreement has a dual coverage restriction which may affect eligibility – see footnote**.

Group Life Insurance

Provides financial protection and is paid to your beneficiary or estate in the event of your death while employed with John Howard.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Provides additional financial protection over and above the group life insurance paid to your beneficiary in the event of accidental death while employed with John Howard. An accidental dismemberment benefit is paid to you if you lose a limb, sight, hearing, or speech as a result of an accident while employed with John Howard.

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Confidential, voluntary, short-term counseling is provided for employees to deal with a range of personal, family, and workplace concerns at no cost.

Travel Insurance and Assistance (out of province emergency)

If you are enrolled in the BC Medical Services Plan and the Extended Health Plan, you will have coverage for emergency out of country medical expenses when travelling.

Travel Cancellation Insurance

If you are enrolled in the Extended Health Plan, you will have coverage for trip cancellation.

Optional Insurance

Through payroll deduction, employees have the opportunity to purchase Optional Life, Accident and Serious Illness, and Critical insurance with no evidence of insurability (i.e. medical questionnaire).

Medical Second Opinion

If you are enrolled in the Extended Health Plan, you have access to specialists to ensure you and your dependents have the correct diagnosis and are on the optimal treatment path.

BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Provides payment for the cost of required medical, surgical, obstetrical, and diagnostic services from practitioners.

Sick Leave

Provides short-term sick leave benefits in the event of a non-occupational illness or accident.

Long-Term Disability

Provides continuing income if you are unable to work as a result of an accident or sickness after completion of your qualifying period.

Paid Vacation and Statutory Holidays

Vacation entitlements start at three weeks with additional time accrued based on years of service. Twelve statutory holidays are observed throughout the year.

Special Leave With Pay

Special leave may be granted for compassionate leave, marriage, and other special circumstances.

Maternity, Parental and Adoption Leaves

Maternity, parental, and adoption leaves are granted based on provisions within the collective agreement or terms and conditions for staff. Health and welfare benefits continue for eligible employees.

Computer Purchase Program

Employees have the opportunity to purchase a laptop or tablet from the supplier of their choice using payroll deduction, after one year of employment.

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*Extended Health Dual Coverage Restriction: “Employees and/or dependants are ineligible for coverage if enrolled in another extended health plan.” (page 124 of General Services Collective Agreement Effective from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025)

**Dental Dual Coverage Restriction: “Employees and/or dependants are ineligible for coverage if enrolled in another dental plan that is equal or better to this dental plan.” (page 121 of General Services Collective Agreement Effective from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025)