Is there a cost to take this course?

• No. The cost of all BCGEU hosted MHFA courses are covered by the organization and there is no registration fee for members enrolling.

The course in my area sold out, can I attend virtually?

• MHFA can be run in person or virtually, but there is not currently a hybrid option for attending an in-person training. 

The course in my area is sold out, if I attend one of the courses on the Mental Health First Aid/Mental Health Commission of Canada website, will I be reimbursed?

• No. The courses listed publicly on the MHFA site may not be hosted by BCGEU and registration for the BCGEU hosted courses will always be done through our internal events calendar. When enrolling for a BCGEU course, we will not ask you to pay a registration fee.
• DO NOT register on the Mental Health Commission of Canada/Mental Health First Aid web site - you will not be approved to attend the course and will not have the registration fee reimbursed.

Why is space so limited?

• The Mental Health Commission of Canada sets the maximum enrollment for MHFA at 25 learners. We are unable to increase that number and still certify you for taking the course.

Why aren’t there more courses scheduled?

• As per the resolution passed at the BCGEU 2021 convention, these courses will be offered annually at every BCGEU Area office. Registration will be offered as we schedule more courses.

Can I attend in another area, because it’s closer to where I live?

• We encourage you to enroll for the course that is in your local area, however individual situations may be considered if there would be extended travel to attend in the area in which your worksite is located.

I live far away from my local office, would travel be covered?

• Yes. Any travel within your region, beyond your regular work travel may be claimed on an expense report. 

Can I attend in another area, because the course in my area sold out or because I’m not available on the dates for the course in my area?

• No. Due to high demand, at this time we are requesting members only sign up when the course is offered in their Area of the province.

This course is very important to my day-to-day work, can I pre-register or be prioritized?

• The course is filled on a first come, first served basis.

Can you put me on the waitlist in case there are cancellations?

• Our events software doesn’t have waitlist functionality, however we will be reviewing enrollment periodically and reopening registration if seats become available due to cancellations.

Can I bring a guest who is not a union member?

• No. At this time, we are limiting registration to BCGEU members due to limited space in the classroom.

Will I need to use vacation time / unpaid leave to attend this course?

• No. BCGEU will issue you a Leave of Absence (LOA) for days that you attend the course so that you do not experience a loss of pay for attending.
  
  

If the course falls on my day off, will I be compensated to attend?

• BCGEU will issue an LOA for all work days that you will miss due to the course so that you do not experience a loss of pay. If one of your course days falls on a day off, you will not receive additional compensation.

What if I can’t get the LOA Approved?

• Your Collective Agreement will have language surrounding union/education leave, including the amount of advanced notice required. If you are having difficulties, please reach out to your local steward or elected officer for further action.

I have other obligations (meeting, appointment, etc.) that conflict with the course, can I arrive late / leave early?

• No. In order to receive a certificate for this course, the Mental Health Commission of Canada requires that you attend the course in it's entirety. If you are unable to reschedule these obligations, please wait to register for the next available session in your area.

Is this course open to casual employees?

• Yes. This course is open to all BCGEU members in good standing.