Amendments Proposed to Workers' Compensation Act

HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law, Updated April 2005 (Posted March 2005)

On March 9, 2005, the Alberta government tabled Bill 15, the Workers' Compensation Amendment Act. The amendments involve housekeeping changes and though they only form part of the regular review of the workers' compensation system by the government, they are necessary to keep the system current. In second reading debate which was adjourned April 6, 2005.

Bill 15, the Workers' Compensation Amendment Act will:

* Permit the WCB to pay cost of living increases to workers who are on extended temporary total disability benefits.

* Confirm that the WCB can regulate the fees charged by private lawyers working on third party civil actions under the Workers' Compensation Act.

* Clarify the wording of immunity for Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) employees, so that it is the same as immunity for public servants and government agency employees, and

* Replace outdated wording.

Bill 15 can be viewed on the Legislative Assembly of Alberta website.

By Yosie Saint-Cyr, Editor at HRinfodesk

Published on HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law

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