Paid Education Leave (PEL) courses are offered at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin. If you are interested in any of the courses, you must do so through the local and not directly with the Education Centre. Please email education@unifor5555.ca for more information or to register for a course.
IMPORTANT: The deadline to submit your applications for review and approval by the local is 7 days before the PEL schedule deadline.
All PEL forms must be submitted to education@unifor5555.ca for approval
Required Form:
Optional Forms:
Coming soon!
Basic Information
Address: 115 Shipley Ave, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C5
Check In Information: Check-in is any time after 3:00 pm on Sunday. You need to be in Port Elgin for an opening plenary on Sunday evening. Dinner is available from 5:30 – 6:45 pm, but be prepared to be in class by 7:00 pm.
What to Expect
You will be expected to attend class daily while at the Centre. They have emailed with information as well, which includes everything you need to know before arriving and while you are at the Centre. If you have not received this email, please let us know. Otherwise, familiarize yourself with the information prior to arriving at the Centre.
Your meal plan covers all of your meals while at the Centre. If you choose to go offsite for a meal, that is fine but you will not be reimbursed for this.
In regard to outfits, everyone dresses quite casual when attending classes, so there is no need for business casual. You can wear whatever you are comfortable in.
What to Bring
Our general recommendation is to bring whatever you would if you were going on vacation: clothing, toiletries, towels (they do have towels, but you may want to bring 1-2 from home), any small hobbies you may want to do during downtime.
There are water and drink stations around, so you may want to bring a reusable bottle/mug to fill up.
There is a mini-fridge in the room, so you could bring drinks and snacks if you wish. You will have meals at the Centre provided, so this is if you would like to have anything outside of meal and snack times.
If you forget to bring anything or need anything additionally, there are some stores in the Port Elgin area, such as Walmart, Giant Tiger, etc.
Release Time/Pay
You will be paid as usual while you are in Port Elgin. We have arranged Release Time through HR and your department to ensure that you will be paid as usual while you attend a course.
Fees for taking courses
Generally, there are no fees for taking a course as we cover your course fee, meal plan, and accommodations.
Mileage/Per Diems
The PEL Centre will reimburse you for mileage if you are eligible. You must be the driver and your vehicle must be parked onsite.
You will also receive a daily per diem for attending the course.
Bring a void cheque or a direct deposit form to give to the Centre upon check-in. They can also mail a cheque to you if you do not bring a form or cheque.
Any other questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Shinde (education@unifor5555.ca) and she would be happy to help you.