TWOSE Emergency Relief Program

Posted on 7/16/2026


The flooding at the TELUS World of Science (TWOSE) was a sudden and unanticipated setback for the facility and for all those who work there. CSU 52 is deeply concerned about the impact of this situation on staff. As a union, we never want members to be laid off, even temporarily. In this case, we recognize the temporary layoffs are a result of major operational and financial disruptions caused by an unforeseen disaster and that for members to be able to return to their jobs, TWOSE must have time to recover.

The Collective Agreement does not anticipate temporary layoffs, only permanent layoffs. Therefore, we have signed a Letter of Understanding with TWOSE to set out a clear process for layoffs and recalls in this situation, and to ensure no member loses seniority or vacation entitlements as a result..

CSU 52 has created the TWOSE Emergency Relief Grant to provide support to members who are being temporarily laid off because of the flooding. Our Board approved this emergency relief program at a meeting on July 14, 2026.

CSU 52 members applying for the TWOSE Emergency Relief Grant remain eligible for Employment Insurance (EI). The grant payment from CSU 52 will not reduce EI payment amounts.

The TWOSE Emergency Relief Grant amounts are paid directly by CSU 52 on a one-time basis and are $1,000 for a Part-Time Employee and $1,800 for a Full-Time Employee.

Please read the following information about the granting program.

FAQs

What is this?

The Union 52 Benevolent Society is offering a one-time emergency relief grant to eligible CSU 52 members who are temporarily laid off because of the July 2026 flooding at TELUS World of Science Edmonton.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if you:

  • were a CSU 52 bargaining unit employee immediately before your temporary layoff;
  • are expected to be laid off for 30 days or longer;
  • worked at least one shift in the 30 days before your layoff;
  • were scheduled to work at least one shift in the 30 days after your layoff;
  • had not resigned before your layoff; and
  • if you were in a temporary position, your position was not already scheduled to end within 30 days.

Employees on approved leave may still qualify in certain circumstances.

How much is the grant?
  • Full-time employees: $1,800
  • Part-time employees: $1,000

Each eligible employee may receive one grant.

Do I have to apply to get this grant?

Yes. An application is required.

You will be asked to provide:

  • your contact information;
  • your layoff date;
  • your employment status;
  • payment information (direct deposit or cheque);
  • your Social Insurance Number (for tax reporting); and
  • consent for Union 52 to verify your eligibility with TWOSE.
Do I need to prove financial hardship?

No.

You do not need to:

  • provide income or household information;
  • prove financial hardship;
  • qualify for Employment Insurance;
  • disclose income from another employer; or
  • explain how you will use the money.
When do I need to apply?

Applications should normally be submitted within 30 days of your layoff (or within 30 days after applications open, if that is later). Extensions may be granted where appropriate.

How will I be paid?

You can choose:

  • direct deposit (preferred), or
  • cheque.
Is this Employment Insurance or wages?

No.

This is a voluntary, one-time emergency relief grant funded by the Union 52 Benevolent Society. It is not wages, severance pay, vacation pay, or an Employment Insurance benefit.

We do not expect this grant to affect EI payments, but the final determination is made by Service Canada. A letter will be provided to recipients explaining the nature of the grant that can be provided to Service Canada.

Will I receive a tax slip?

Yes. A T4A will be issued. You are responsible for reporting the payment to the Canada Revenue Agency and, if applicable, to Service Canada.

How is eligibility confirmed?

CSU 52 will verify your eligibility with TWOSE using your employment and layoff information.

Is funding guaranteed?

Grants are subject to the funding approved by the Union 52 Benevolent Society Board. If applications exceed available funding, pending applications will be managed in accordance with the program rules.

Administrative Procedure G-AP2: TWOSE Flood Emergency Relief Grants

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