Released Friday, January 27, 2012
NDP Labour Critic Dale Kirby (MHA, St. John’s North) says he will be closely watching the upcoming statutory review of the legislation governing the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. His main hope is that serious issues facing the Commission’s ability to protect injured workers in the future will be adequately addressed.
“Our province’s economy and labour market are undergoing major changes, and these will become more profound in the years to come,” says Kirby. “I hope the commissioners will recognize this and consider strong, sustainable, forward-thinking direction for our system of workers’ compensation. Workers and employers in this province deserve a system that is more responsive to their needs.”
Kirby hopes that new legislation will increase the maximum compensable income to better reflect the province’s changing economy. In addition, he says, “We need an increased sensitivity to the devastation caused by occupational diseases, and a reflection of that in compensation for victims. Regulations should also include a more sensible regional approach to labour market re-entry, and early and safe return to work arrangements that better support and promote the rehabilitation of injured workers.
“I am looking forward to seeing these issues recognized and incorporated into the recommendations,” says Kirby. “I look forward to giving the review committee a more detailed presentation outlining my concerns.”
Saturday, 28 January, 2012
Kirby outlines expectations for statutory review of WHSCC
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