January 2021: WCB Update
Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act
The Government of Alberta recently passed legislative changes for the workers’ compensation system. Some of these changes took effect on January 1, while others will take effect in April 2021.
Legislative changes effective January 1, 2021:
-Review workers’ compensation benefits if a worker is terminated from modified work due to egregious conduct
-Reinstate cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) calculation set by WCB’s Board of Directors
-Reinstate a cap for maximum compensable earnings
– Modify presumptive coverage for traumatic psychological injuries to apply only to first responders, correctional officers and emergency dispatchers.
Legislative changes effective April 1
-Establish workers’ and employers’ duty to cooperate
-Establish the role of WCB’s new fairness review officer
-Employer’s responsibility to cover health benefits after an injury is no longer mandatory
-Change the timeline for reconsideration of appeals decision (to Appeals Commission) to one year
As we work to implement new legisltation, we will be consulting with stakeholders on areas where we need further input. Policy consultation will take place starting in mid January and will cover the following:
-Develop policies and procedures to adjust workers’ compensation benefits if a worker is terminated from modified work due to egregious conduct
-Establish workers’ and employers’ duty to cooperate policy
-Establish the role of WCB’s new fairness review officer
Mobile app for employers
The new myWCB for Employers mobile app gives you access to your account when and where it’s convenient for you. View your account status, request real-time clearance letters, check your account balance, make payments and more.
2020 employer premium restart
With 2020 coming to a close, we’re reminding employers that 2020 premiums are payable Jan. 1, 2021 (due by March 1, 2021); however, you can pay at any time and can do so online. For more information, visit our insurance and premiums page.
WCB-Alberta annual return deadline is Feb. 28, 2021
New this year: You will no longer receive an annual return PIN letter in the mail. Starting January 1, 2021, employers will log into myWCB and select “File my annual return” to submit their annual return.. If you do not have a myWCB account, you can sign up here.
If you are enrolled in the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program, it is important you submit your return on time as late filing may prevent you from receiving your 2020 PIR refund.
For more information about what’s new this year, please visit the reference document on the annual returns page on our website.