Workers' Comp. Committee Reports Progress

Nova Scotia's Select Committee on the Workers' Compensation Act today reported to the House of Assembly on its progress to date.

"When we started this process, we asked Nova Scotians for their ideas on how to make the current system better," said committee chair Michael Baker. "The members of the committee would like to thank each and every person who took the time and effort to prepare a submission."

The committee wrapped up its schedule of 11 public hearings last month. In four weeks, committee members listened to the views of Nova Scotians in Yarmouth, Wolfville, Bridgewater, Sydney (two hearings), Port Hawkesbury, Stellarton, Amherst, Truro and Halifax (two hearings).

The all-party committee was struck during the spring sitting of the House of Assembly to review changes to the Workers' Compensation Act. In particular, it will examine the auditor general's review of the Workers' Compensation Board, Workers' Advisers Program and Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal. An area of primary concern involves the backlog of cases currently under appeal.

The committee expects to present its report to the House of Assembly during the fall sitting. Included in the report will be information collected from the auditor general's audit of the Workers' Compensation Board. The audit is expected during the week of Nov. 16.

In all, 174 presentations were made at the public hearings and 90 submissions were made by phone, fax, e-mail and regular post.

Mr. Baker said presenters told the committee what they feel is wrong with the system and made recommendations on how it can be improved.

"The high number of submissions and the impressive turnouts at the hearings indicate the system needs improving. The challenge to the committee is to reflect this in its report to the House of Assembly, to make recommendations that provide injured workers with fair treatment, compensation and respect, and employers with a system they can afford."

Mr. Baker is joined on the all-party committee by MLAs Hyland Fraser, Charles MacDonald, Michel Samson, Frank Corbett, Rosemary Godin, Charlie Parker, Ernie Fage and Jim DeWolfe.