COMPENSATION FOR REMARRIED WIDOWS

Released on April 1, 1999

Labour Minister Joanne Crofford today introduced legislation to

authorize the Workers' Compensation Board to make a one-time,

tax- free payment of $80,000 to people who had their benefits

terminated as a result of remarriage or entering into a common-law

relationship prior to April 17, 1985.



In addition, a regulation under The Workers' Compensation Act was

enacted on March 11, 1999 reinstating the future benefits of six

widows whose benefits were terminated between April 17 and September

1, 1985. These women will also be eligible to receive the $80,000

payment.



The termination of the benefits of these six widows was directly

related to the time between Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of

Rights and Freedoms coming into force in April, 1985 and the amendment

of Saskatchewan's Workers' Compensation Act in September 1985.

Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms forbade

discrimination on the basis of marital status.



"The legislation and regulation will finally address the long-standing

issues for these people," Crofford said. "These changes have been

complicated, involving both federal and provincial legislation and

significant costs. We had to be sure we had all the information

needed to fairly balance the needs of the widows with the overall

public interest."



Once the legislation is passed, the $80,000 one-time tax-free

payments will be made by the Workers' Compensation Board upon

receipt of a letter of application and proof of eligibility.



"The government is concerned about the well being of these

people, many of whom are elderly or are in difficult financial

situations," Crofford said.



It is estimated that these payments will total approximately $23

million. That includes $21.8 million for the one-time payment of

$80,000, plus $1.2 million for the reinstatement of future

benefits to the six widows whose benefits were terminated between

April 17 and September 1, 1985. The costs will not result in any

increase in Workers' Compensation premiums to employers.



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For more information, contact:



Carol Todd Janice Siekawitch

Saskatchewan Labour Workers' Compensation Board

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4156 Phone: (306) 787-4386