The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has rated New Brunswick’s workers’ compensation system as the best overall in Canada.
In a report released December 10, the group representing more than 109,000 small businesses across the country gives New Brunswick’s system, administered by WorkSafeNB, the highest score of seven out of 10.
CFIB’s 2015 Small Business Workers’ Compensation Index compares workers’ compensation systems across Canada from a small business owner’s perspective. It considers such factors as cost of premiums, claims management, coverage, long-term financial sustainability and customer service.
“We’re very pleased to be recognized for our hard work and commitment,” said Gerard Adams, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “While this index shows that, according to one of our major stakeholders, we’re doing great work and we’re on the right track, we also know we can do better. We focus, every day, on improving.”
The agency recently announced it hired seven more health and safety officers to provide additional support to employers and workers. New Brunswick’s Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, along with WorkSafeNB, are also currently reviewing workers’ compensation legislation.
“This legislation hadn’t been reviewed in more than 20 years,” Adams said. “We expect this review will lead to changes that will help us better serve New Brunswick’s workforce.”
Denis Robichaud, CFIB’s director of provincial affairs for New Brunswick, commends WorkSafeNB’s support for small businesses.
“Our analysis found that New Brunswick’s system has some of the lowest industry-specific premium rates across sectors," said Robichaud. "It also offers an employer advocate service, and our survey shows that a majority of small business owners feel that WorkSafeNB’s staff is accessible, knowledgeable and professional. We hope to continue to work with WorkSafeNB to continue to improve the system for small businesses in the province.”
New Brunswick’s workers’ compensation system ranked second in CFIB’s last comparable report in 2011.