A public engagement on British Columbia’s workers’ compensation system and how to shift the system to become more worker-centred, as well as how to increase worker and employer confidence, is open for feedback.

The public and interested stakeholders are invited to share their views until July 19. People can submit written feedback by email to [email protected] or by filling in a questionnaire online.

There will be public hearings in 14 communities around the province, including in Cranbrook July 8 and 9.

Anyone wishing to present their views in person to the reviewer is asked to book a time in advance, using the email address above or by phoning 1 833 633-6790 (toll-free within B.C.). All meetings will be open to the public.

Half the times will be reserved for injured workers to ensure their views are heard about what an improved workers’ compensation system should look like.

In April 2019, Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, announced the appointment of a retired labour lawyer, Janet Patterson, to undertake the independent review, to assess:

* the system’s policies and practices that support injured workers’ return to work;

* WorkSafeBC’s current policies and practices through a gender and diversity-based analysis (commonly referred to as GBA +);

* modernizing WorkSafeBC’s culture to reflect a worker-centric service delivery model;

* the case management of injured workers; and

* potential amendments to the Workers Compensation Act arising from this focused review.

The formal review being undertaken by Patterson builds on work undertaken by WorkSafeBC over the past year to identify areas for improvement.

Find more details of the engagement process and a link to the questionnaire.

A location for the Cranbrook hearing has not yet been announced.

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