What We Heard report regarding the modernization and amalgamation of the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act released

The Government of Yukon is releasing the What We Heard report following engagement on the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  The report demonstrates strong support for proposed new legislation that would combine and modernize the two existing acts focused on workplace safety.

Stakeholders also expressed the desire for legislation that reflects the diversity of Yukon employers and workers, and increased communication, education and training around the proposed changes.

The report is available at engageyukon.ca and at wcb.yk.ca/engage.

The Government of Yukon is committed to enhancing Yukon’s workplace safety and workers’ compensation systems for all Yukoners, and I thank those who shared their thoughts and ideas during the public engagement. The feedback contained in this report will support proposed legislation that will ensure Yukon’s employers and workers are well supported now and into the future.

Minister responsible for Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Jeanie Dendys

This report demonstrates our commitment to engaging our stakeholders and the public in a way that empowers Yukoners to create positive change in workplaces. We are extremely proud of the work that has been done so far, and we look forward to working with the Government of Yukon on the development of legislation that will contribute to safer workplaces for all.

Board of Directors Chair, Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board, Mark Pike

I would like to thank our staff, stakeholders and the public for their efforts as we work towards developing legislation that will create safer, healthier workplaces for Yukoners. Modernizing the Acts is an important step in bringing Yukon’s workplace safety and workers’ compensation systems in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.

President and CEO, Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board, Kurt Dieckmann

Quick facts 
  • In late 2019, on behalf of the Government of Yukon, Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB) hosted public engagement sessions 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 proposed modernization of legislation that enhances workplace safety and workers’ compensation systems within the territory.

Media contact 

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca 

Andrew Robulack
Manager, Social Marketing and Communications, Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board
867-689-2574
andrew.robulack@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
20-236