Response to Nova Scotia WCB Policy Proposals: Vocational Rehabilitation

The following joint submission was made by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and the Office of the Worker Councillor to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. It is made in response to the proposed Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) policies being considered by the WCB.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed vocational rehabilitation (VR) policies. There is a great deal to like in the draft policies, including several changes that improve flexibility and recognize the importance of meaningful VR services.

At the same time, there are several significant concerns and oversights that should be addressed before the policies are finalized.

We also wish to note our concern about reports that the Board is already training staff in these policies and is scheduled to bring them before the Board of Directors next week. Neither circumstance gives us confidence in the sincerity of the consultation process or in the Board’s intention to meaningfully review stakeholder recommendations for change prior to implementation.

Our recommendations are outlined in this document. Despite our reservations, we trust they will be given due consideration before the policies are finalized.