Responsible Decisions for Workers and Employers Support Strong Communities

Full Review of Workers’ Compensation System Finalized

The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Statutory Review Committee has concluded its review of the provincial workers’ compensation system.

“The committee has now submitted its report to government, and we will be reviewing its contents over the next several weeks. The consultation process of this review included a wide representation of individuals and groups, and we will very closely consider its findings as we work to enhance the worker’s compensation system for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL

During the consultation process, opportunities for public and stakeholder participation were made widely available through 15 public consultations in 13 communities in the province and through written submissions. The committee heard from a cross section of presenters representing injured workers, employers, employees, unions and industry. In addition, the consultation documents were available online and can still be viewed at www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/Consultation/index.html#workercomp.

The consultations were guided by the following themes: Maximum Compensable Assessable Earnings (MCAE), financial sustainability, labour market re-entry, medical management, occupational disease, and the roles of stakeholders in incident prevention.

“I want to thank the members of the committee for their dedication and commitment in compiling this report. We will share the report with stakeholders and the public and provide opportunity for feedback in the coming weeks.”
- Minister Crummell

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has received the report by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Statutory Review Committee.
• Ralph Tucker was appointed chair of the Statutory Review Committee and was the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission board representative. Claude Horlick was appointed employer representative, and Dave Burry was appointed employee representative.
• Consultations were held in 13 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador from February to April 2013.
• Key themes included: Maximum Compensable Assessable Earnings (MCAE); financial sustainability; labour market re-entry; medical management; occupational disease; and, the roles of stakeholders in incident prevention.
• Government will review the report and will provide an opportunity for feedback from stakeholders and the public in the coming weeks.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2013 01 17            9:30 a.m.