Beginning in January, 2001, the Workers Compensation Board will implement a pilot project to improve the way employers pay the Board for services. WCB uses revenues from employers to provide support services to clients who have workplace injuries and illnesses.
The idea for the pilot project came about as a result of discussions between Workers Compensation Board and the PEI Employer Committee.
"The new billing system is about making the payment process easier for employers," said Greg MacCallum, Manager of Employer Services for WCB. "Employers will benefit in two ways. With monthly billing, they have the advantage of spreading their payments out over the entire year rather than paying in advance once or twice a year. The new system also has the advantage of basing the assessment on actual rather than estimated payroll." Up to 100 of the 5000 Island employers served by WCB will participate in the one-year pilot project.
Ann Worth, Chair of the Employer Committee, said that the new system will bring tangible benefits to employers. "The pilot project is one example of how WCB and the Employer Committee are working together to respond to employers' needs," she said.
Stéphane Robichaud, Director of Provincial Affairs for NB and PEI with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, recalls the high level of interest from employers when this program was first established in New Brunswick. "Very quickly there was a lot of pressure from our members to be included," said Robichaud. "We gradually added more and more businesses to the program but there was always a long waiting list. This new initiative will be welcomed by Island businesses."