Act Now - The Report of the WCB Legislative Review Panel to the

5.0 A Final WordDuring the course of our review, the Panel was asked to establish additional layers ofbureaucracy or process to address some of the problems that stakeholders see with theworkers’ compensation and safety legislation and the administration of that legislation.In general, the Panel has resisted. We resisted because we do not think that morecommittees or processes will contribute to the Panel’s common objectives for legislativechange. We have recommended changes to legislation that will: Bring new life to the Meredith Principles. Provide for transparent use of authority and hold decision-makers andadministrators accountable. Avoid pitting stakeholders and administrators against each other asadversaries.The Panel challenges decision-makers and administrators to prove us right in resistingthis approach.The Panel’s recommendations for legislative change often flow from each other and worktogether. In many cases, the recommendations from several issues will need to work inconcert in order to achieve the desired objective. In addition, there is a requirement tobuild upon the changes to the legislative framework with a change in WCB Board ofDirectors’ policy, operational processes, and administrative attitudes.Early on in this report, the Panel suggested that an operational review be conductedimmediately. This operational review would enhance the results of this legislative reviewand complete the process for WCB renewal.The Panel first came together in February of 2001. We brought varied backgrounds andexperiences to the Panel table. At some point, we have all been workers, some of usinjured workers. Some of us have a background representing the interests of workers;WCB Legislative Review Panel Report Page 103 of 128December, 2001