Agricultural Processing Industry Employment Program 2012

Program Overview

The Agricultural Processing Industry Employment Program (APIEP) provides opportunities for career related experience and skill training for students employed in Alberta's Processing Industry. Funding is renewed on a yearly basis. Employees and employers must apply together for the program; Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development does not do any matching. Employees may approach potential employers and advise them of the program but cannot apply for the program without an employer. Employers must be processors who are adding value to a raw agricultural product; employees must be post-secondary students and must not be related to the employer. Employment must provide career-related experience for the student. Processors who hire a student for the summer will be reimbursed for one-third of the employee's salary up to $500 per month. Applications are mailed out to potential employers in March and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is April 16, 2012. The program runs from May 1 to August 31.

2012 Program Information and Guidelines

Which Employers are Eligible?

• Employers must be the owner of a value-added agricultural processing business that adds value to, and/or changes the form of a raw agricultural product post-slaughter (e.g. sausage making) or post-harvest (e.g. milling of wheat). The value-added processing business must be located in Alberta.
• Employers must be eligible for membership in the Alberta Food Processors Association if they produce a food product.
• Employers must be eligible to be part of Alberta's Agricultural Processing Industry Directory.
• Funding is limited to one employee per business and one business per employer. Additional employees and/or business units or branch plants will only be considered if funding is available.
• Employers may not exchange students or "job-share" on this program.
• Employers must not receive other provincial or federal program funding for the student.

• Recruit their student and verify that all eligibility requirements are met.
• Ensure that their student receives a copy of the completed application form.
• Ensure the employee is supervised the majority of the time and particularly while performing potentially dangerous or new tasks.
• Ensure safe working conditions for the employee.
• Pay the employee at a pre-contracted monthly rate, agreed to by both the employer and the employee.
• Issue a pay cheque, with appropriate deductions, to the employee on either a bi-monthly or monthly basis.
• Maintain a record of the number of days and hours the employee works during the summer.
• Complete and submit a Reimbursement Claim Form at the end of the summer.
• Send a Record of Employment to the employee and provide a T4 slip to the employee for income tax purposes.
• Retain proof of employee payment and hours worked for program audit purposes.
• Comply with the Program Guidelines, the Employment Standards Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation, regulations, and by-laws associated with being an employer in the Province of Alberta. NOTE: Employers who may be classified as farmers under the Employment Standards Code are defined as processors while participating in this program and therefore, are subject to all applicable Employment Standards Regulations.
• Notify program staff immediately if the student employed is terminated for any reason.
• Maintain responsibility for all claims, demands, actions, and costs whatsoever that may arise out of the employer's performance of this agreement, or by the actions of the employer, his agents or employees, whether occasioned by negligence or otherwise.

• Employers are reimbursed for one-third of the employee's monthly wage to a maximum of $500 per month.
• One Reimbursement Claim Form will be mailed to all approved employers.
• The employer should complete and submit the Reimbursement Claim Form at the end of the summer, or on the student's last day of employment. The Reimbursement Claim Form must be signed by both the employer and the employee.
• The employer may only claim for time actually worked by the employee.
• The employer's expected subsidy must be based on the contracted information provided on the application form. Final subsidy amounts exceeding contracted subsidy amounts of $250 or more may be the responsibility of the employer depending on total program expenditures. Please be as accurate as possible when estimating contract start date, end date and salary.
• One reimbursement cheque will be mailed to the employer as soon as possible after the Reimbursement Claim Form is submitted.
• If the employer is overpaid, the overpaid amount must be repaid to the Minister of Finance as soon as the employer is informed of the amount owing.
• The deadline for submitting the Reimbursement Claim Form is September 21, 2012. Reimbursement Claim Forms received after September 21, 2012 may not be processed.
• Completed Reimbursement Claim Forms may be faxed to 403 742-7527 or orginals can be mailed.

• Reimburse the employer for one-third of the employee's monthly wage to a maximum of $500 per month.

• Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree, diploma or certificate program and must be returning to school full-time in the fall or winter. Students enrolled in graduate studies are also eligible under the program.
• Preference will be given to students enrolled in a post-secondary institution located in Alberta. Students attending a post-secondary institution outside Alberta will only be considered for acceptance if funding is available.
• Employees must not be a direct relative of the employer. "Direct relative" includes spouse, brother, sister, son or daughter.
• Employees must be unemployed. Existing part-time employees are eligible if total hours worked over the previous three months averaged less than 20 per week. Employees working full-time for someone other than the employer are eligible if they are terminated before May 1. Employees working for the employer full-time prior to May 1 are not eligible under the program.
• Employees must not be working full-time anywhere else or attending school while participating in this program.
• Employees must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

• Employment must provide career-related experience for the student and should increase the employee's knowledge of the value-added processing industry. "Career-related experience" is defined as work experience that is related to the student's post-secondary education. Work situations that do not provide career-related experience will only be considered if funding is available.
• Employment must be between May 1 and August 31 and must be based in Alberta.
• Employment must provide at least four weeks of continuous, full-time employment within the program period.
• Employment must be a minimum of 30 hours per week. However, if the employee works more than 8 hours per day or 44 hours per week, overtime must be paid by the employer unless the employee has previously agreed (in writing) to time off in lieu of overtime pay. Payment must comply with Alberta Employment Standards.
• The employment of a student under this program must not eliminate, amend or affect the job security of any person who would otherwise have been employed.
• A contract under this program does not mean that the employee is considered to be an employee or agent of the Government of Alberta.

• Agree to participate in the program and agree to work for only one specified employer.
• Perform all tasks in a responsible and conscientious manner and follow the policies and procedures of the business while employed.
• Notify the program staff immediately if your employment is terminated for any reason.

• Interested employers must complete and submit an application by April 16, 2012. Employers MAY NOT submit an application without the name of a student. To assist employers with finding a student, a Contact List for Employee Recruitment has been compiled.
• Employers will be notified of their initial status as soon as possible once a complete application has been received.
• Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are committed.
• Old application forms will not be accepted.
• Faxed copies will be accepted as an original application.

Agricultural Processing Industry Employment Program
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Postal Bag 600,
Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

• Program staff have final authority for the approval or rejection of any application.
• Approval is based on evidence of both an employer's and a student's compliance with the program guidelines, the availability of funding, and how the student's area of education relates to the training opportunities provided by the business.

• Program staff must be notified immediately if there are any changes to the original contract.
• Employers may replace an employee only once. The employer must request the replacement, either verbally or in writing, by July 3, 2012. The new employee may start work as soon as program staff gives verbal approval. A new application must then be sent in.
• Employers who cancel their contract after July 3, 2012 will not be eligible to employ a new student.

• Program staff may cancel the contract, retroactive to the start date, at any time if participants violate their contract and/or the program guidelines. Funds may need to be repaid and employers may not be allowed to participate in the Agricultural Processing Industry Employment Program again.

The following agricultural processors are aware of the APIEP and may be interested in hiring a post-secondary student in the summer of 2010. Feel free to contact them directly about potential employment opportunities.

Alley Kat Brewing Company 9929 60 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 0C7 Ph: 780-436-8922 Fax: 780-430-7363 E-Mail: thekats@alleykatbeer.com Type of processing: brewery	Bassano Growers Ltd 923 - 28 Street NE Calgary, AB T2A 7X1 Ph: 403-248-7794 Fax: 403-273-4575 E-Mail: freshbgl@telus.net Type of processing: fresh vegetables	Calgary Italian Bakery Ltd 5310 5 Street SE Calgary, AB T2H 1L2 Ph: 403-255-3515 Fax: 403-255-7016 E:mail: louis@cibl.com Type of processing: bakery
Capital Packers Ltd. 12907 57 Street Edmonton, AB T5A 0E7 Ph: 780-476-1391 Fax: 780-478-0083 Type of processing: meat processing	Cargill Meats Box 4120 Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3B3 Fax: 780-962-0862 E-Mail: bridget_bannerholt@cargill.com Type of processing: meat processing	Cassidy Creek Trading Co Ltd 10324 130 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 1X6 Ph: 780-452-1404 Fax: 780-425-1665 E-Mail: cassidycreek@shaw.ca Type of processing: preserves
Champion Pet Foods Ltd 9503 90 Avenue Morinville, AB T8R 1K7 Ph: 780-939-6888 Fax: 780-939-6858 E-Mail: petfood@telusplanet.net Type of processing: pet foods	Cheyenne Tree Farms Ltd Box 3060 Beaumont, AB T4K 1K8 Ph: 780-929-8102 Fax: 780-929-8107 E-Mail: jimw@cheyennetree.ca E-Mail: sherylw@cheyennetree.ca Type of processing: trees, shrubs, perennials	Chin Ridge Seed Processors Ltd PO Box 4222 Taber, AB T1G 2C7 Ph: 403-223-3900 Fax: 403-223-1900 E-Mail: seed@chinridge.com Type of processing: cereal grains/special crops
Chinook Honey Co & Chinook Arch Meadery Box 12, Site 14, RR 1, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A1 Ph: 403-995-0830 Fax: 403-995-0829 E-Mail: info@chinookhoney.com Type of processing: honey, wine	Christie's Plant Mart PO Box 385 Coronation, AB T0C 1C0 Ph: 403-578-3340 Fax: 403-578-2240 E-Mail: chris-pm@telusplanet.net Type of processing: flowers	City Bakery Sales Corp. 906 1st Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2E 0C5 Ph: 403-263-8578 Fax: 403-237-0453 E-Mail: paul.wakeling@westonbakeries.com Type of processing: bakery
Classic Foods Ltd 3620 50 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2B 3N9 Ph: 403-279-6267 Fax: 403-279-6515 E-Mail: info@classicfoodsltd.com Type of processing: beans/spices	Clover Leaf Cheese Ltd 1201 45 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2E 2P2 Ph: 403-250-3780 Fax: 403-291-9782 E-Mail: brad@cheese-please.com Type of processing: cheese/cheese packaging	Custom Woolen Mills Ltd RR 1 Carstairs, AB T0M 0N0 Ph: 403-337-2221 Fax: 403-337-2221 Type of processing: wool processing
Del Comal Foods Ltd 10 Tigermoth Crescent, Box 788 Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 Ph: 403-625-3311 Fax: 403-625-3328 E- Mail: ulla@delcomal.com Type of processing: snack foods	Dpb Baking Company Ltd 7440 10 Street Calgary, AB T2E 8W1 Ph: 403-777-1221 E-Mail: sarah@dpbbakingcompany.com Type of processing: bakery	E-Tree Box 1867 Cold Lake, AB T9M 1P4 Ph: 780-594-2005 Fax: 780-594-2671 E-Mail: e-tree@worldpost.ca Type of processing: tree farm
Edmonton Potato Growers (1971) Ltd 12220 170 Street Edmonton, AB T5V 1L7 Ph: 780-447-1860 Fax: 780-447-1899 E-Mail: admin@epg.ab.ca Type of processing: potatoes	Fairwinds Farm Box 953 Fort MacLeod, AB T0L 1S0 Ph: 403-553-0127 Fax: 403-553-0126 Type of processing: pasteurize goat milk, make yogurt	Falher Alfalfa Box 117 Falher, AB T0H 1M0 Ph: 780-837-2244 Fax: 780-837-2510 Type of processing: alfalfa dehydrating plant
Galla Gardens PO Box 1101 Camrose, AB T4V 4E7 Ph: 780-672-3270 Fax: 780-672-1323 Type of processing: fresh vegetable processing	Hog Wild Specialities PO Box 1209 Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0 Ph: 780-786-4627 Fax: 780-786-4627 E-Mail: dhagman@hogwild.ab.ca Type of processing: wild boar meat	Lakeview Bakery 6449 Crowchild Trail SW Calgary, AB T3E 5R7 Ph: 403-246-6127 Fax: 403-246-6609 E-Mail: brian@organicbaking.com Type of processing: bakery
Leading Brands of Canada Inc 4104 99 STREET Edmonton, AB T6E 3N5 Ph: 780-435-2746 Fax: 780-435-4787 Type of processing: beverage	Lethbridge Meats and Seafoods Ltd. 3621 6 Avenue N Lethbridge, AB T1H 5C2 Ph: 403-329-4912 Fax: 403-329-4554 Type of processing: meat/seafood processing	Lucerne Foods (Ice Cream) 13944 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5L 3C2 Ph: 780-453-7634 Fax: 780-453-7611 E-Mail: brian.miller@safeway.com Type of processing: ice cream manufacturing
MacKay's Cochrane Ice Cream Ltd PO Box 250 Cochrane, AB T4C 1A5 Ph: 403-932-2455 Fax: 403-932-2455 E-Mail: generalinfo@mackaysicecream.com Type of processing: ice cream	Maple Leaf Potatoes Inc 2720 2 Avenue N Lethbridge, AB T1H 5B4 Ph: 403-380-9900 Fax: 403-328-5262 Type of processing: french fries	Maple Leaf Poultry 2619 - 91 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6P 1S3 Ph: 780-467-6022 Fax: 780-464-2713 Type of processing: fresh and frozen poultry products.
McCormick Canada 5535 11 Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 6M4 Ph: 403-275-2444 Fax: 403-295-0157 Type of processing: seasoning and spices	Newly Weds Foods Co 9110 23 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6N 1H9 Ph: 780-414-9579 Fax: 780-431-0452 E-Mail: kannett@newlywedsfoods.ca Type of processing: spice manufacturing	Northern Alberta Processing Co 1930 121 Ave NE Edmonton, AB T6H 1B1 Ph: 780-377-2005 E-Mail: kkolbfleisch@wcrl.com Type of processing: meat/bone meal, blood meal
Nossack Fine Meats Ltd 7240 Johnstone Drive Red Deer, AB T4P 3Y6 Ph: 403-346-5006 Fax: 403-343-8066 E-Mail: reception@nossack.com Type of processing: meat processing	Parkland Packers (1976) Ltd. 4915 52 Ave Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y4 Ph: 780-963-2183 Fax: 780-963-4697 E-Mail: drmknupp@gmail.com Type of processing: meat processing	Pearson's Berry Farm Ltd Box 1, Site 24, RR 1 Bowden, AB T0M 0K0 Ph: 403-224-3011 Fax: 403-224-2096 E-Mail: homestyle@homestylebeverages.com Type of processing: fruit products
Penteco Foods Ltd 53132 Range RD 232 Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4T8 Ph: 780-467-3355 Fax: 780-467-0882 Type of processing: potato processing	Ponoka Meat Processors 4207 67 Street Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Ph: 403-783-2232 Fax: 403-783-8392 E-Mail: ponokameats@cabelrocket.com Type of processing: meat processing	Pure Water Oasis PO Box 429 Boyle, AB T0A 0M0 Ph: 780-689-3000 Fax: 780-689-3055 E-Mail: gmuir@telusplanet.net Type of processing: water by reverse osmosis
Quality Fast Foods 12251 William Short Road Edmonton, AB T5B 2B7 Ph: 780-474-5201 Fax: 780-474-9789 E-Mail: patrick@qualityfastfoods.com Type of processing: ready to eat sandwiches, subs and burgers	Rahr Malting Canada P.O. Box 113 Alix, AB T0C 0B0 Ph: 403-747-2777 Fax: 403-747-2660 E-Mail: RJOY@Rahr.com Type of processing: malting	Scholing's Produce Inc PO Box 5213 Lacombe, AB T4L 1W9 Ph: 403-782-7380 Fax: 403-782-7390 Type of processing: potato processing
Sepps Fine Foods Ltd Box 6179 Innisfail, AB T4G 1S8 Ph: 403-227-2121 Fax: 403-227-1131 E-Mail: seppsab@telusplanet.net Type of processing: bakery and meat products	Sgambaro's Signature Seafoods Inc 12819 58 St Edmonton, AB Ph: 780-457-8227 Fax: 780-473-6761 E-Mail: rob.sgambaro@telus.net Type of processing: smoked salmon	Soyang Market Gardens Ltd. Box 5391 Leduc, AB T9E 6L7 Ph: 780-986-7627 Fax: 780-986-7628 Type of processing: fresh vegetable processing
Stawnichy's Meat Processing PO Box 18 Mundare, AB T0B 3H0 Ph: 780-764-3912 Fax: 780-764-3765 E-Mail: shltd@telusplanet.net Type of processing: meat processing	Sudo Farms RR 8 Site 32 Box 12 Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P4 Ph: 403-345-6020 Fax: 403-345-6447 E-Mail: sudonobby@yahoo.ca Type of processing: fresh vegetables	Sunfresh Farms Ltd 10471 176 St Edmonton, AB Ph: 780-413-4802 Fax: 780-444-2481 E-Mail: dseeger@sunfreshfarms.ca Type of processing: fresh vegetables
SunGro Horticulture Canada Ltd. PO Box 189 Seba Beach, AB T0E 2B0 Ph: 780-797-3019 Fax: 780-797-3079 E-Mail: sblt@sungro.com Type of processing: peat moss, growing media	Sunrise Bakery Ltd. 14728 119 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5L 2P2 Ph: 780-454-5797 Fax: 780-452-7696 E-Mail: hank@sunrise-bakery.com Type of processing: sweet goods bakery	The Black Velvet Distilling Company 2925 9 Avenue N Lethbridge, AB T1H 5E3 Ph: 403-317-2100 Fax: 403-317-2125 E=mail: rwright@bartoninc.com Type of processing: alcohol
The Jungle Farm RR 3 Innisfail, AB Ph: 403-227-4231 Fax: 403-227-6020 E=mail: bstaples@xplornet.com Type of processing: strawberries, pumpkins	Troika Foods 5916 87A Street Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z1 Ph: 780-463-0297 Fax: 780-440-6964 E-Mail: sales@troikafoods.com Type of processing: cabbage rolls/perogies	Valbella Gourmet Foods Box 8121 Canmore, AB T1W 2T8 Ph: 403-678-4109 Fax: 403-678-5837 E-Mail: vonrotz@valbellagourmetfoods.ca Type of processing: meat processing
Western Wax Works Ltd PO Box 3909 70 Alberta Avenue Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3B1 Ph: 780-962-5573 Fax: 780-962-1653 E-Mail: kmahdiuk@beemaid.com Type of processing: honey/beeswax	Zinter Brown Taste Treats 25 Wedgewood Crescent Edmonton, AB T6M 2N4 Ph: 780-487-9334 Fax: 780-487-9334 E-Mail: jzinter@zinterbrown.com Type of processing: wholesale condiments and appetizers.