Nova Scotia places middle-of-the-pack in first-ever WCB comparative study
For more details
Full report
A Small Business Assessment of Workers’ Compensation
Provincial Summary
Nova Scotia
Halifax, December 13, 2011 - Groundbreaking research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that workers' compensation boards in Canada are doing a poor job in meeting the needs of small business, including Nova Scotia.
The comprehensive assessment of workers' compensation boards through a small business lens is outlined in A Small Business Assessment of Workers' Compensation. It focuses on cost of premiums; claims management; experience rating; classification and assessment; coverage; long-term fiscal sustainability; and customer service.
On a scale of 0 to 10, not one board received an overall score of seven or higher. PEI fares the best with an overall score of 6.9. The boards representing the largest share of employers in the country-Ontario and Quebec-both received the lowest scores at 4.0. Nova Scotia scored 5.9 out of 10.
Overall Index Scores, Workers' Compensations Boards (10 is best; 0 is worst)
PEI 6.9 SK 5.6
NB 6.4 NL 5.2
BC 6.3 MB 5.2
NS 5.9 QC 4.0
AB 5.7 ON 4.0
"There were some highlights for Nova Scotia, including coverage and how we manage claims," said Leanne Hachey, CFIB's Vice-President Atlantic, "and work done in these areas needs to be acknowledged."
"However, Nova Scotia rated poorly in customer service and in long-term fiscal sustainability due to our significant under-funded position. The latter is extremely concerning because we already have the second highest rates in the country - and are poised to stay there for a while," Hachey said.
Workplace safety and having a good plan for managing workplace injuries is a priority so it is critical that boards are well-run.
"Businesses are solely responsible for funding workers' compensation through mandatory employer premiums," said Doug Bruce, CFIB's vice-president, research.
"Premiums are a tax on payroll that must be remitted, and the high cost of premiums can make it difficult for small firms to increase their employee wages, invest in their business and create jobs. It is crucial that boards take action based on findings in this report," Bruce concluded.
To view the full report visit http://cfib.ca/a3534e.
To arrange an interview with Leanne Hachey, contact 420-1997 or jessica.simmons@cfib.ca
As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by EntrepreneursTM. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 108,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.
