As part of the Government of Alberta’s (Canada) review of agencies, boards and commissions, an independent panel will review the WCB system and make recommendations moving forward.
A three-member panel will examine the Workers Compensation Board’s governance and effectiveness, all relevant legislation, the principles of compensation, and WCB policies, including those related to privacy and confidentiality, and the transparency of processes and decision-making. The last comprehensive review was conducted more than 15 years ago.
Among the comments regarding this review:
“Albertans deserve a system that works for them when they need it. This review will help ensure that the Workers Compensation Board provides fair compensation and meaningful rehabilitation in a way that is sustainable and affordable.”
Christina Gray, Minister of Labor
Human resources and labor relations consultant Mia Norrie will chair the panel.
“I’m honored to take on this role and I look forward to working with my panel members. The committee has extensive experience representing workers and employers through Alberta’s workers compensation process. We will reach out to Albertans to ensure we have a thorough understanding of different perspectives. This will be beneficial as we work through the myriad of complex issues.”
Mia Norrie, Chair, WCB Review Panel
The other two panel members are John Carpenter, a partner with Chivers Carpenter law firm and Pemme Cunliffe, in-house counsel with Covenant Health. The panel will be supported by a secretariat that will provide policy, research and administrative support.
The review will include engagement with injured workers, employers, labor unions, key partners and interested Albertans who rely on the WCB system.
“WCB and our Board of Directors look forward to the panel’s review as part of our commitment to delivering a workers’ compensation system that continues to protect Alberta’s workers and employers, now and in the future.”
E. James (Jim) Kindrake, Chair, WCB Board of Directors
“We’re optimistic this review will revamp the WCB structure and process to ensure workers are adequately compensated and receive the treatment they deserve.”
Elisabeth Ballermann, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta
“This review encompasses several key areas that are critical to ensure the WCB’s continued success to maintain a system that is affordable and sustainable.”
Brad Herald, VP Western Canada, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
This review will also include the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers Compensation and the Medical Panel Office. The panel is expected to provide a progress update to government in fall 2016 and a final report in spring 2017.
Albertans can learn how they can participate in the WCB Review at: alberta.ca/wcb-review.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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