ITF Priorities

2023 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 Bill 47 changes (i.e. egregious conduct, duty to cooperate)

  • Review of the WCB Funding Policy and WCB Pricing Programs

  • Identify issues affecting sustainability of the Accident Fund and collaborate on solutions; transfer to AIMCo

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

monitoring:

  • WCB Strategic Business plan & Strategy Map outcomes
  • Premium Levies - Occupational Health & Safety funding and budget; changes to other levies
  • Cost Relief - fair and consistent application; COVID cost relief
  • Economic Loss Payments – impact and effectiveness of the TOJ program

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 & Northern Development, Treasury Board & Finance, 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, opportunities for greater employer involvement
  • Physician Engagement & Accountability
  • 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, physio & rehab services, cost relief, ELP costs, review of Apps)

  • Psychological Injuries – collaborate with WCB to identify issues and revise policy, procedures, processes and practices where warranted

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 and sharing of resources