Released on November 10, 2016
The final report from the Workers’ Compensation Act Committee of Review is now available on the Government of Saskatchewan website.The Committee made eleven recommendations based on consultations that were held in fall of 2015. In addition to receiving more than 70 written submissions, they hosted public sessions in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton and Regina.
“I would like to thank the members of the Committee for their efforts to gather information and prepare a report based on many hours and many pages of public consultations,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “I would also like to thank the many people who shared their stories, either on paper or in person, to help the Committee develop their recommendations.”
Three of the recommendations will require changes to legislation. Those will require further consultations, which will take place early in 2017.
The remaining recommendations are related to Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) policy. Those include increasing training for Board staff to improve service delivery, improving services for families of victims of workplace fatalities and the development of service standards to measure performance.
“I have asked the Workers’ Compensation Board to review the report and provide feedback, along with an implementation plan for the policy change recommendations,” Morgan said. “All of the recommendations were developed to ensure the Workers’ Compensation Act is current, fair and responsive to meet the needs of Saskatchewan workers and employers.”
One recommendation has already been addressed with a recent amendment to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 to establish a rebuttable presumption to workers experiencing psychological injuries caused by workplace trauma.
The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 requires a review be conducted at least once every four years. The Committee of Review reviews and reports on all matters concerning the Act, including the administration of the Act and regulations.
The Committee is made up of equal representation of employers and organized employees. They provide a forum for individuals and organizations to recount their experiences with the workers’ compensation system and make suggestions for reform and improvement.
To read the report and recommendations, or learn more about the Committee of Review, visit http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/public-consultations/past-consultations.
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For more information, contact:
Amanda Fedorchuk
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0279
Email: amanda.fedorchuk@gov.sk.ca