A streamlined appeals process with legislated timelines would ensure a backlog of this magnitude would never occur again. Removal of the Reconsideration stage of the appeal process and Leave to Appeal at WCAT would shorten the timelines from first appeal to a final decision. From the time an appeal is launched at WCAT through to a final decision the committee suggests legislating a timeline of 90 days. Following this process, an individual or organization would be free to appeal to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. The unfunded liability needs to be reduced in a manageable way.
Many employers feel their economic viability is being threatened by excessive assessment premiums.
Employers need to do their part to reduce the unfunded liability, but the system must be fair. Even though assessment premiums is the main revenue generator for the workers' compensation system, the committee does not support a continual increase in average assessment rates. The committee is of the view systemic changes including the introduction of universal premiums, implementing periodic payments, refining assessment rates and reducing the waiting period for new employers will impact positively on the system. To ensure assessment rates are not increased disproportionately, the committee urges the province and the Board negotiate a guaranteed rate of return on investment. This guarantee would ensure the burden of covering any shortcomings in return on investment is not placed solely on the shoulders of business.