Workers' Compensation Board Structure to Change

Workers' Compensation Board Structure to Change

Changes to the composition and structure of the Workers Compensation Board's board of directors will maintain and strengthen its accountability to stakeholders.

The proposed amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act, introduced today, May 12, were established by a working group representing employer and employee groups, and injured workers. The group has been meeting with government and the board since December 2004 to discuss and recommend improvements to governance and accountability at the Workers' Compensation Board.

"Governance was a key issue raised in the last review of the board. These changes will improve accountability, and ensure that the system is responsive to the stakeholders it serves," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash.

The amendments will eliminate two non-voting positions from the board. They will require four employer and four employee positions, instead of the current three, bringing the board total, including chair and vice-chair, to 10.

The working group has also adopted a Statement of Principles and Objectives on Governance and Accountability. This document outlines a shared vision for the workers' compensation system, which includes how members should be solicited and appointed, the obligations of directors, and processes for ongoing consultation with stakeholders.

"Planning and improvements throughout the system will benefit from the significant input and feedback from stakeholders that's been agreed to in the Statement of Principles and Objectives," said Mr. Morash. "Stakeholders are telling us, through the public consultation process, that they're pleased with the changes being proposed. I believe that's an important endorsement for the changes that are taking place."