The Gallant government has announced members of a task force which will examine rising workers’ compensation premiums for businesses in New Brunswick.
Newfoundland-based lawyer Dennis Browne will be the chairperson and he has a background in labour arbitration and administrative law.
Labour Minister Don Arseneault says the government has been asked to provide more benefits to the program but he feels the task force has to address some of the problems first.
“It’s very irresponsible of me as a minister to start adding more to the benefits. So what I’ve done and what I’ve announced over the last month is that everyone needs to get around the table and figure this out,” he notes.
Other stakeholders on the task force include Worksafe NB board members along with representatives from unions and business groups.
The review will likely take at least six months with hearings around the province and will conclude with a discussion paper.
Meanwhile, the provincial auditor general is undertaking an independent value-for-money audit of Worksafe NB.
#NB labour minister Don Arseneault unveils task force to address rising workers’ comp premiums. Labour lawyer Dennis Browne is chair #nbpoli pic.twitter.com/yQKEKw5ibT
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) May 31, 2017