GOVERNMENT RELEASES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION REPORT

The Government of Saskatchewan today released the report of the 2006 Committee of Review respecting The Workers' Compensation Act, 1979 and regulations, and their administration.

The report makes 69 recommendations, including 32 recommendations that require amendments to the Act or regulations. The majority of the remaining recommendations would require a policy or administrative change by the Workers' Compensation Board.

"The review process helps to keep our Workers' Compensation Act fair, responsive and up to date," Labour Minister David Forbes said. "Improving the workers' compensation system benefits everyone. The release of the report will give people an opportunity to assess the report's recommendations and to provide us with informed feedback so that the best possible legislation can be developed."

The committee was chaired by James E. Dorsey, Q.C., an expert in the field of workers' compensation, and made up of equal representatives of both employers and employees.  The committee held public hearings in six locations: North Battleford, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Yorkton, Swift Current and Regina. At these public hearings the committee heard from injured workers, business and labour organizations.

The Committee of Review's report is available on the Department of Labour website at www.labour.gov.sk.ca and all interested parties are invited to respond to its recommendations.

"We are committed to working with business and employees to ensure a compensation system that is responsive to injured workers and accountable to employers," Forbes said.

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For more information, contact:

Dallas McQuarrie
Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1545
Email: dmcquarrie@lab.gov.sk.ca