Employer & Student Considerations during Work Terms

Students as employees

While on a work term, a student is an employee of their employer and not an employee of Dalhousie. For work-related matters, a student is under the supervision and direction of the employer and not of Dalhousie. Students should expect to be treated as employees of the organization and to observe employer regulations. Students are encouraged to review labour standards established by the government for their region of employment.

It is the responsibility of the WIL Co-op student to demonstrate conduct in accordance with Dalhousie University’s Code of Student Conduct as well as the professional and ethical standards expected by the student’s faculty, affiliated professional associations and/or employer sector.  Failure to adhere to professionalism and appropriate behaviour may result in removal from WIL Co-op.

Earnings

Students are paid by their employer during their work terms. Wages vary based on the industry sectors and market conditions. While job postings usually contain compensation information, students are encouraged to inquire during interviews. In some cases, wages may include travel and accommodation in addition to salary. Students will generally not receive benefits and privileges available to permanent employees while on a work term.

Income taxes and wage deductions

• At the start of work terms in Canada, students are required by their employer to complete a TD1 form for income tax purposes.
• Employers are required to deduct income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from employees. The employer may provide more detail regarding the TD1 form when the student begins the work term.
• Students receive a T2202A tax form from the Registrar's Office each year for tuition fees. Tax credits are available for amounts paid as tuition, including WIL Co-op fees and WIL Co-op work term tuition.
• Students are not eligible for monthly education tax credits while on a work term.
• Most students completing two work terms in a tax year have income in excess of personal deduction levels. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly.
• International students completing work terms in Canada and Canadian students completing work terms outside of Canada should consult the Canada Revenue Agency website for more information on income taxes.

Absences from work

WIL Co-op students are responsible for notifying their employer if they will be absent or late for work. As a temporary employee, absences due to illness, compassionate leave, jury duty, etc., may mean a loss in pay. Requests for time off should be discussed with the employer as early as possible. Because WIL Co-op positions are short-term, employers generally do not provide vacation time. Students who leave their jobs because of illness or family emergencies must contact the WIL Co-op office as soon as possible.

Health coverage

It is each student’s responsibility to arrange for their own health coverage while on a work term. As such, awareness of the following is important:

1. Students on a work term in the fall term are not automatically enrolled into the Dalhousie Student Union Health Plans. Students can opt into coverage by the set opt-in periods. Contact the Dalhousie Student Union for more information.
2. WIL Co-op students who will be working outside Nova Scotia for 6+ months must register for MSI coverage.
3. Dalhousie requires that all international students have health insurance while on their work terms. Contact Dalhousie Student Union or your health insurance provider to ensure you have the right coverage.

Worker’s compensation

WIL Co-op students are eligible to receive worker's compensation for work-related injuries or illness. The employer assumes the cost of worker’s compensation and coverage begins on the first day of the work term. For information on worker’s compensation across Canada, students should consult the worker’s compensation regulations for that province or territory.

Workplace confidentiality

During a work term, students may have access to confidential and/or proprietary information and are responsible for learning employer policies regarding sensitive information. Students should understand how confidential information may restrict their work activities. Students may be held liable for damages that an employer may suffer should the student improperly release information.

When writing any technical or reflective assignments for the work term courses, students must ensure that employer confidentiality is not breached.

Workplace safety

Students are entitled to a safe and secure work environment. Students must be aware of and follow their employer's safety policies and procedures. If concerned about workplace health and safety, or if injured on the job, the student must notify the supervisor, their assigned Student Development Coordinator and the WIL Co-op office (askcoop@dal.ca) immediately. 

Discrimination and harassment

Students must conduct themselves in a way that is free of discrimination and harassment. Students have the right to safe work and a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, this is an expectation of the WIL Co-op office and Dalhousie University. Concerned students should contact their assigned Student Development Coordinator for support. 

Strike or lockout

Should a strike or lockout occur during a work term, students should discuss the situation with both their supervisor and their assigned Student Development Coordinator as soon as possible. The decision to continue work despite a strike should be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisor. Students must inform the WIL Co-op office of such situations as early as possible.