Soaring costs to New Brunswick’s workers compensation system are having damaging effects on businesses and the economy according to three Chambers of Commerce.
The Chambers in Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John have launched a letter-writing campaign encouraging their members to contact the provincial government and Worksafe NB.
Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol O’Reilly says Worksafe NB rates have climbed this year by a whopping 33 percent.
“In 2016, the employers paid a premium at that time of $1.11 per every $100 on the payroll. That has gone up this year to $1.48,” she notes.
O’Reilly says if any business is already struggling, the huge jump in rates could really put a company over the edge.
Media Release: New Brunswick Chambers Launch WorkSafeNB Letter-Writing Campaign. View Here: https://t.co/rfqRHpbsn0
— The Chamber SJ (@TheChamberSJ) May 1, 2017
Meantime, the acting president and CEO of Worksafe NB says he understands the concerns coming from the business community about higher workers compensation premiums.
Tim Peterson says the big jump can be attributed to a rise in the number of claims received.
“The reason is behind our claim costs. In the workers compensation system, claim costs are one of the key drivers of the assessment rate,” he says.
Peterson says the entire workers compensation system is funded by employers who must bear the brunt of any increases.
Currently, he adds New Brunswick has the lowest premiums in Atlantic Canada.
