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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - Supplement to The WInnipeg Free Press - Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Bringing More Balance and Fairness to the Rates Employers Pay
“We listened to the feedback we gathered, and are using it to help enhance our rate system.”
H aving undertaken extensive consultation with its stakeholders, the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) will be introducing changes to its rate setting model starting in 2016. Consultation with various stakeholder groups started in 2014, and included feedback from stakeholder groups through a call for written submissions, as well as ongoing input and dialogue with a stakeholder advisory group, facilitated by Morneau Shepell. The consultative feedback was reviewed, and improvements were recommended and compiled into a report that is available on the WCB website at wcb.mb.ca > WCB Info > Rate Model Review. Ultimately, the recommendations called for a rate model that offered: • More protection through collective liability, especially for small and medium employers. • Less rate volatility and more stability for employers. • A more balanced focus on prevention and return to work. “We listened to the feedback we gathered, and are using it to help enhance our rate system,” says Winston Maharaj, WCB
President and CEO. “Employers will see changes to the rate model beginning next year that will be phased in over the next five years. These enhancements will help create a more fair and balanced system, and directly address issues brought forward through our consultation process.” One of the features of the new system is that the rates employers pay will not be able to go as high and low as they did in the past. This will enhance shared liability and provide more protection against large rate increases. As well, rates won’t be able to move upwards or downwards in any one year as much as they used to, which will significantly reduce the volatility of employers’ rates from year to year. Further changes will be phased in over the next five years. Employers can expect to receive more information from the WCB in the months ahead. The WCB of Manitoba is a mutual workplace injury and disability insurance agency funded by employer premiums. We are here to insure and support safe and healthy work and workplaces and put workers and employers at the centre of all we do. To learn more about the WCB, visit wcb.mb.ca. ❚
For faster return to health and work, improved safety and because it’s the law. All injuries must be reported to the WCB within five business days – online, by phone, fax or mail. Report Workplace Injuries to the WCB
204-954-4100 | wcb.mb.ca
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