Auditor General to Audit Workers' Compensation System

Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon has asked the province's auditor general to conduct a detailed independent audit of the workers' compensation system, including the Workers' Compensation Board, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal and the Workers' Advisers Program.

"We're committed to finding a better way for injured workers and their families," said Mr. MacKinnon. "This audit will be an important first step. It is important that all partners have an unbiased understanding of the system and how it can be improved."

The objective of the audit is to examine a number of issues raised by injured workers' groups and other stakeholders. Potential items for review include a thorough examination of operations, effectiveness of processes for administering benefits, consistency and timeliness of case management, the appeal system, and other issues.

The auditor general will develop more detailed terms of reference in consultation with the all-party committee on workers' compensation issues.

"Injured workers deserve fair treatment, fair compensation and respect," said the minister. "They also deserve straight answers. That's what this review is all about."

Section 15 of the Auditor General Act allows government to call on the auditor general to perform broad-scope, program-oriented reviews on specific matters. The review will be a "cut and concentrate" audit, which is highly detailed and tailored to a given issue.

The auditor general will publicly release a report with recommendations for improvement. Government will provide the necessary funding and support for the review.

Since the new Workers' Compensation Act was passed in 1995, the Workers' Compensation Board and other players in the system have been implementing a series of program changes. The minister commended the WCB's board of directors, staff and other partners for their dedication to improving the system in a period of transition.

"This audit will not only provide answers for injured workers, it will provide meaningful information and clear focus for the board, for staff and for all those involved in administering the workers' compensation system."

In addition to the audit of operations, government will also investigate changes to legislation. A package of amendments is now being finalized for discussion with members of the all-party committee.

"We are committed to finding solutions that treat injured workers with fairness and respect," said the minister. "We are committed to a stable compensation system with secure benefits for workers and affordable rates for employers. We are serious about finding real solutions."

Mr. MacKinnon noted that the audit is also a good leadup to the mandatory review of the Workers' Compensation Act required by legislation.

The last general review of the Workers' Compensation Board was conducted by the auditor general in 1996, shortly after the Workers' Compensation Act was introduced. At that time, the review focused heavily on finances and monetary issues.