| In a powerful address to 150 business leaders at a Halifax Chamber of Commerce luncheon in late June, WCB Nova Scotia CEO Karen Adams delivered a clear, optimistic message of change.
Adams was introduced by Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration Deputy Minister Ava Czapalay as a “true advocate for safety,” underscoring their shared goal of making Nova Scotia workplaces better, stronger, safer, and healthier. Adams spoke in no uncertain terms about the challenge ahead. “We all want the same thing,” Adams said. “We want Nova Scotians working, and the way to do that is through timely and safe return to work.” She added that, “In Nova Scotia, people injured at work stay on short-term benefits longer, and more go on to receive long-term benefits than anywhere else in Canada. The solution is helping people get back to work quickly.” See Karen dispel the myth about injury rates, here. Adams shared highlights from the WCB’s new strategic plan, which hinges on improved return-to-work outcomes—supported by a sharp focus on service excellence. She noted the significant improvement in claims processing, with decisions now averaging just a few days, and calls being returned within a couple of days at most – two improvements based on stakeholder input. “The quicker claims are processed, the quicker people can get back to work,” said Adams. “The motivation was already there. All I had to do was give permission and allow people to put their ideas into actions that are resulting in better, faster service.” See Karen share her assessment of the WCB’s operations, here. The plan is anchored by the mantra “Protect More,” a call to action to protect Nova Scotians from the impact of workplace injury. The plan’s return-to-work goal alone will return 250,000 days to the economy by 2030 – that’s like 1,000 Nova Scotians working full time for a year. “It’s about protecting workers from the human impact of injury, the financial impact—protecting our healthcare system—and beyond,” Adams says. “When we move forward with the intent of protecting Nova Scotia’s workforce at every level, we know we are on the right track.” See Karen’s call to action for employers, here. While it’s early days in the seven-year Strategic Plan, there is encouraging optimism. The WCB’s commitment to service level agreements, for example, are on track. As the WCB prepares to respond to the recent Government review of the system, the improvements called for in the Strategic Plan are very timely. If you’d like to request a speaking engagement or to understand more about the WCB’s new strategic, plan, reach out anytime at Toward2030@wcb.ns.ca.
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