AWCBC History / Overview

The Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) was founded in 1919 as a non-profit organization. It was established to facilitate the exchange of information between Workers’ Compensation Boards and Commissions at a time when workers’ compensation law, policy and administration were in their infancy. There were six founding members: Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, and New Brunswick. Saskatchewan joined in 1929, Quebec 1931, Prince Edward Island 1949, and Newfoundland 1950. Lastly, the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory joined in 1974. Membership has expanded to include two honorary members - IAIABC and AASCIF .

 

The AWCBC is governed by its Constitution. Funding for the AWCBC has historically come from membership dues. Currently, expenses for the operation of the national office and annual convention are prorated among the full members. 

 

The business of the Association is managed by an Executive Committee, comprised of four Officers, namely: (a) President; (b) First Vice-President; (c) Second Vice-President; and (d) Past-President. The term for all officers is one year. In 1978, the first Executive Director was appointed on a part-time basis. This position became a full-time contractual position in 1987.

 

Our Vision: To drive a strong Canadian leadership role in providing the safest and healthiest workplaces in the world and a fair, affordable workers’ compensation insurance system.

 

Our Mission: Achieving excellence through data analysis, shared knowledge, education and networking.

 

Our Values include: Member-driven, results-oriented, credible, realistic, innovative, accountable and ethical.

 

The Executive Director and staff of the association performs duties consistent with the direction provided in the Association’s strategic plan and the goals and objectives set annually and approved by the full members.

 

To assist with sharing information about Canadian Workers' Compensation Boards and Commissions, accessibility to workers compensation information has been enhanced. Publication contents, previously produced in hard copy format, will be posted on the Association's website in table format. Please note that the National Work Injuries and Disease Statistics Program publication will continue to be released,  available electronically. Workers' Compensation information that will be posted includes:

A National Work Injuries Statistics Program is also coordinated by the AWCBC and provides statistical summaries from 1993 on the Number of Accepted Time Loss Injuries and Diseases and the Number of Fatalities for each Canadian jurisdiction.

 

Comparable financial Key Statistical Measures are released annually and are presented in chart and table format.

 

The AWCBC has coordinated an annual Workers’ Compensation Learning Symposium for members since 1988. The program addresses workers’ compensation administrative topics at a basic, advanced and Board of Director level.

 

Congresses have been held for members since its inception in 1919. This program has evolved into a multi-session three day congress, addressing every aspect of workers’ compensation and related topics.

 

Public Forums were held in 2001, 2003 and 2005 to foster greater public understanding of, and dialogue about, workplace health & safety and workers’ compensation.

 

To obtain further information about the AWCBC please contact Cheryl Tucker, Executive Director at contact@awcbc.org