Minister encouraged by progress at Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, today acknowledged steps taken by the commission to lower the average base assessment rate paid by the province�s employers.

"Clearly, the commission is making significant progress in efforts to improve the compensation system in our province and create an environment in which businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador can compete favourably with the rest of Atlantic Canada," said Minister Burke.

The commission will lower its average base assessment rate in 2006 by 14 per cent from $3.19 to $2.75. "With this decrease, the commission has reached its goal to reduce base assessment rates to $2.75 by 2006, continually closing the gap between rates paid in this province and other jurisdictions in Atlantic Canada. This is a strong indication of an overall improvement in the compensation system in this province, due in large part to a dedication to reduce job-related injuries," said Minister Burke.

Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, says the base rate reduction is extremely positive news for the business community. "This is welcome news for business operators and employers, as the new rates will substantially reduce the overall cost of doing business in our province. It also supports the work of my department and government as a whole to implement strong policies, promoting small and medium size business growth and investment."

According to the commission, 93 per cent of all employers will see a decrease in their base rate in 2006, compared to just 35 per cent in 2005.

Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624
Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570, 690-6290

2005 10 20        12:35 p.m.