Minister Jeanie McLean tabled Bill No. 22, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act, in the Legislative Assembly today.
The new Act would modernize and amalgamate the Workers’ Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In the fall of 2019, the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board hosted a public engagement to ask Yukon employers, workers and stakeholders for their input. It was conducted through stakeholder and public meetings, one-to-one conversations, outreach events, two online surveys and written submissions. The public engagement was summarized in a What We Heard report. It noted that Yukon employers, workers and stakeholders support the modernization of legislation that enhances safety and compensation systems within the territory.
Our government is committed to improving Yukon’s workplace safety and compensation systems. A more clear and effective Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act will ensure that worker safety is always kept at the forefront, in step with changing workplace conditions so that Yukoners’ safety is safeguarded for years to come. This proposed legislation is fair and accountable and supports Yukoners with a safety and compensation system that provides them with the support they deserve.
Minister responsible for the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Jeanie McLean
Today marks another important stage in this process for the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board. I am proud of the work that has gone into modernizing Yukon’s workplace safety and compensation systems, and am excited for the future of Yukon’s workers and workplaces under this proposed legislation.
Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Chair of the Board of Directors Mark Pike
This legislation would bring Yukon in line with many other Canadian jurisdictions, ensuring that Yukon’s workplaces and workers will be protected under legislation that has their interests in the forefront, all the while ensuring that the compensation fund is kept in a balanced position to support Yukoners when they need it most.
Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board President and CEO Kurt Dieckmann
In the fall of 2019, the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board hosted a public engagement to ask Yukon employers, workers and stakeholders for their input. It included stakeholder and public meetings, one-to-one meetings, outreach events, two online surveys and written submissions.
The public engagement was summarized in a What We Heard report. It noted that Yukon employers, workers and stakeholders support the modernization of legislation that enhances safety and compensation systems within the territory.
The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act would replace the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Renee Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
Renee.Francoeur@gov.yk.ca
Heather Avery
Communications Analyst, Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board
867-332-4794
heather.avery@wcb.yk.ca