Today, the Chamber submitted its feedback to the Workers Compensation Board of PEI (WCB) on the WCB’s proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and General Regulations.
These proposed amendments will:
• Enhance the current benefit rate for WCB claimants.
• Increase the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap on annual cost of living increases for Extended Wage Loss (EWL), pension and survivor benefits recipients.
• Adjust the current maximum assessable earnings level to better reflect current average wages in PEI.
• Increase lump sum and burial expense benefits paid as a result of a workplace fatality.
In our letter, we support the WCB’s proposals to enhance benefits regarding workplace injuries and fatalities, while cautioning the board to remain vigilant when it comes to any increases to future premiums, as many businesses are still working towards an economic recovery because of the pandemic. The Workers Compensation Board has put forward a financial impact summary that details how these enhancements can be done with minimal impact to employers.
The Chamber met with the Workers Compensation Board’s CEO Cheryl Paynter and CFO Norman MacDonald to verify the information. We know premiums fluctuate with time and we have asked in our submitted letter that WCB remain vigilant when it comes to premiums as a cost to employers.
To view our letter to the WCB, click here.