Casual nurses working in rural and remote communities eligible for RCIF Casual Recognition Initiative

The Rural Capacity Investment Fund (RCIF) has launched the Casual Recognition Incentive to acknowledge the vital role that casual nurses represented by United Nurses of Alberta play in rural health care.

Casual employees who do not hold a regular, part-time, full-time or Benefit-Eligible Casual Employee position with one of the participating signatory employers and work at an eligible rural site are entitled to a lump-sum recognition payment based on the hours worked between April 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027. 

A minimum of 100 hours is required to be eligible. Only hours worked as a UNA-represented employee at eligible rural and remote worksites count toward your total.

If an applicant takes a temporary position during the eligibility period, those hours can count toward your total (up to the 750-hour maximum). 

All funding payments are subject to applicable taxes and other required deductions as mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency. Recipients are encouraged to consult a tax professional regarding the implications for their personal tax situation.

Applicants must complete the eligibility screening before proceeding to the application; only those who meet the eligibility requirements will be directed to the full application.

Employees who have already received another RCIF incentive under this program are not eligible, except for the Education and Tuition Incentive.

Important dates for Casual Recognition Initiative

April 1, 2026: Eligibility period begins. Start tracking your hours from this date 

April 1, 2027: Eligibility period ends. Application portal opens 

May 15, 2027: Application deadline 

June 2027: Committee reviews applications and issues payments 

Visit the RCIF website for more information about the Casual Recognition Initiative and how to track hours for eligibility.

UNA members also eligible for RCIF Retention Recognition Incentive

Members of UNA bargaining units covered by the Provincial Collective Agreement who provide service at eligible rural or remote worksites in Alberta have until September 30 to apply for the RCIF Retention Recognition Incentive, a one-time lump-sum payment recognizing their continued commitment and dedication to providing health care in rural or remote communities.

What is the Rural Capacity Investment Fund?

​The Rural Capacity Investment Fund is a fund created through the Collective Agreement between UNA and signatory employers. It is jointly run by union and employer representatives to support nurses working in rural and remote areas of Alberta that are difficult to recruit. With $90 million available through March 30, 2028, the RCIF helps address the challenges of recruiting and keeping nurses in these communities.