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NLIS 1
October 27, 2000
(Environment and Labour)

 

Workers� compensation system to be reviewed

Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon, accompanied by J. Wayne Trask, chairperson of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission today announced that a complete review of the existing workers� compensation system will be launched as required under the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission Act.

The review will be conducted by a five person task force of the commission�s board of directors and will be chaired by Mr. Trask. Other members of the committee include Reg Anstey, Judy Vanta, Roger Flood and Don Warr.

Consultations with key stakeholders will be an integral part of the process with meetings to be held at several locations throughout the province, commencing in early January. In addition, a round table discussion will be held in St. John�s in late January. The goal is to bring all stakeholder groups together to achieve consensus on how issues should be addressed.

A discussion paper focusing on key issues is being prepared by the commission and will be available in the coming weeks. Stakeholders are encouraged to obtain a copy of the document once it becomes available. Details on the consultation process will be announced at a later date.

Minister Langdon said, "We are undertaking this review now in response to requests by key stakeholders and in recognition of the fact that the commission is facing serious financial issues that require immediate attention. The approach we are taking now is different from past practices because special circumstances warrant special attention."

Mr. Trask stated: "This task force of the board has strong representation from each of the key stakeholder groups - employers, workers and the public - and is fully supported by the entire board. The issues we face are very complex and there are no simple solutions. All groups have a role to play and we are looking forward to meeting with stakeholders and obtaining their views on the most appropriate measures to be taken."

The task force will report back to the Minister of Environment and Labour by February 16, 2001 with recommendations.

Wayne Trask also announced that the Commission�s Board of Directors has agreed to freeze employer assessment rates at their current level for 2001.

Media contact:

Sean Kelly, Communications, Department of Environment and Labour, (709) 729-2575.
Lana Collins, ABC, Communications, Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, (709) 778-1223.

2000 10 27 10:50 a.m.


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