ITF Priorities

2024 Goals and Priorities

Priorities of the ITF Association are set annually by the membership in November of each year.  In addition to specific actionable items, the list also includes items the ITF Association monitors through regular review of statistical and other information as well as initiatives that support member development. 

To promote a FAIR, BALANCED and SUSTAINABLE workers' compensation systems

  • Participate in review of WCB legislation, programs, policies and procedures; implementation of egregious conduct and duty to cooperate legislation, and any other legislative changes

  • Explore opportunities to raise awareness among Alberta employers regarding WCB account/case management and cost containment strategies

  • Economic Loss Payments - impact and effectiveness of the TOJ program; opportunities for expansion

monitoring:

  • WCB Strategic Business plan & Strategy Map outcomes
  • WCB Funding Policy and Pricing Programs
  • Premium Levies - Occupational Health & Safety funding and budget; changes to other levies
  • Cost Relief - fair and consistent application; process timelines

To be a STRATEGIC PARTNER of the Workers’ Compensation Board, Appeals Commission and Government through consultation on matters impacting Alberta employers

  • Review quality of service impacts, costs and implications of legislative, policy and operational changes, as well as consistency and appropriateness of claim decisions

  • Engagement with government (Jobs, Economy & Trade, Red Tape Reduction)

  • Invitation of guests to ITF Association meetings (Minister responsible for the WCB, Chair of the WCB Board of Directors and WCB Board members, Chief Appeals Commissioner and WCB Medical Director)

  • Recruitment of new members

monitoring:

  • Appeals Commission statistics, procedures and processes; Appeal Advisor & Medical Panels functions
  • Identify issues affecting sustainability of the Accident Fund; transfer to AIMCo
  • Effectiveness of the Policy Consultation Advisory Group
  • Opportunities for engagement with the WCB Labour Coalition

To provide a FORUM for the presentation/discussion of member concerns and views on issues related to the Alberta workers’ compensation system

  • Proactively identify issues for review (duration of disability, continuation of TPD payments, psychological injuries; physio & rehab services)

  • Health Practitioner Engagement & Accountability - Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and OIS clinics; education re RTW process, medical reporting

monitoring:

  • WCB data integrity - reliability and usefulness of stats for WCB and OHS reporting
  • Occupational diseases - expansion of criteria and/or presumption

To be an INFORMATION RESOURCE for the members of the ITF Association on policies, programs, and issues relating to the Alberta workers’ compensation system

  • Facilitate sharing of expertise among ITF Association members
  • Facilitation of educational opportunities for ITF Association members