First review of WCB system in 15 years.

The first comprehensive review of the Alberta’s Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) system in over 15 years has been completed and is the subject of a nearly 190-page report, which includes 60 recommendations to government. Thus far I have never had cause to make a claim under the WCB system but I have spoken to plenty of people that have. I can’t think of one that has been complementary of the service and change has long been overdue. I think that change will come but I suspect it will not be overly quick. I would like to be surprised though. The full report can be accessed at: https://www.alberta.ca/wcb-review.aspx

Needing the WCB is not going to be first on one’s mind during work. However, the system covers around 1.9 million workers and over 160,000 employers in Alberta and is designed to provide no-fault benefits and supports a safe return to work for injured workers. The review panel was chaired by well-respected human resources and labour relations consultant Mia Norrie panel alongside members John Carpenter, a partner with Chivers Carpenter law firm and labour relations consultant Pemme Cunliffe. During the course of the review, which was launched in March 2016, the panel received approximately 1,700 questionnaire responses and more than 500 written submissions.

“We committed to reviewing the Workers’ Compensation Board to ensure it provides fair compensation and meaningful rehabilitation in a way that is sustainable and affordable. I thank the panel for their expertise and their hard work in putting together this report. Our government will be reviewing the recommendations over the coming months before making any legislative changes,” said Christina Gray, Minister of Labour

In it’s report the panel said, “The biggest failing of the system right now is not the level of benefits it provides, but how its overall decision-making impacts the lives and

Rather than decisionmaking that focuses on assisting people with their injuries, illnesses or concerns, the system’s decision-making currently focuses on efficient management of claims.

livelihoods of workers and employers. Rather than decision-making that focuses on assisting people with their injuries, illnesses or concerns, the system’s decision-making currently focuses on efficient management of claims. Too often, it seems, the latter is given attention at the expense of the former.”

These are the core recommendations of the panel:

• The establishment of a new Fair Practices Office.

• Increased assistance for workers and employers with reviews and appeals.

• The use of a new roster system for independent medical examinations (IMEs), with responsibility for the roster residing with the Medical Panel Office, which is independent from the WCB.

• Greater choice for injured workers in selecting health professionals.

• The establishment of an obligation to return workers to work, and a corollary obligation to cooperate on the part of workers.

• The use of case conference models throughout the system, along with a system-wide commitment to seek early and collaborative resolution of any disputes that arise.

• The adjustments of certain benefits provided by the system, with the specific aim of addressing areas where there is hardship, fatalities, permanent injuries of young workers, retirement benefits or people who are affected in dramatic ways by the current application of WCB policies.

• Further study or review of particularly complex aspects of the system.

“We are confident that these recommended changes will protect the future stability of the WCB, while ensuring that the needs of injured workers are addressed in a fair and transparent manner. We are extremely grateful to those individuals and organizations that gave their perspectives and we trust that all participants will see their input reflected in the final recommendations,” said Mia Norrie, chair, WCB Review Panel