The following news article from the lame duck shit for brains Conservative Party. First responders all are employed by Government, have collective agreements and lucrative benefits including disability insurance. The historical agreement was never intended to include government employees but was intended to provide financial support to workers who did not have any means of support in the event they suffered a work related injury and would become a charge on family, friends and society. These shit for brains politicians have turned the whole system into a popularity contest where first responders are being treated differently under the law and before the law. For Ms. Redford’s information, the real heroes in our society are the men and women who go to work every day, braving inclement weather, dangerous driving conditions, dangerous work environments etc. without the lucrative benefits provided to government employees.
Where in the name of hell do these dimwitted people come from and worse yet is the fact that they are elected to represent all the people not just firefighters, policeman and paramedics. It is a well known fact in administrative law specific to workers compensation systems that a worker need not prove anything as the entire burden of proof both for and against lies with the “Board” . In fact it is illegal for a worker to provide any evidence specific to examining all matters, questions, inquiries as according to the WCA, Section 17(1),and 13.1 (1) the Alberta WCB and the Appeals Commission have exclusive jurisdiction with WCB also having all the powers under the Public Inquiries Act.
Gerry
13.1(1) Subject to sections 13.2(11) and 13.4, the Appeals Commission has exclusive jurisdiction to examine, inquire into, hear and determine all matters and questions arising under this Act and the regulations
17(1) Subject to section 13.1, the Board has exclusive jurisdiction to examine, inquire into, hear and determine all matters and questions arising under this Act or the regulations and the action or decision of the Board on such matters and questions is final and conclusive, and is not open to question or review in any court.
May 24, 2012
Bill 1 to legislate workers’ compensation coverage for Alberta’s First Responders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder will be presumed to be work-related
Edmonton… The Alberta government has introduced new legislation to streamline the process for Alberta’s first responders to receive Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“Bill 1 reaffirms our commitment to our province’s first responders recognizing their crucial role in Albertans’ safety and health and dealing with some of life’s most traumatic experiences,” said Premier Alison Redford. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line in our greatest time of need, and we need to respond to them when they need help.”
Changes proposed under Bill 1: The Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act will allow firefighters, police officers, sheriffs and paramedics to receive compensation for PTSD without having to prove their condition is work-related. Alberta will be the first province in Canada to provide such coverage.
“There is increased awareness of the affects of PTSD over the last decade,” said Human Services Minister Dave Hancock. “This proposed legislation recognizes first responders who face traumatic experiences. We are proud to support them and bring forward legislation that leads the country.”
PTSD is an intense emotional and psychological response to a recent or past traumatic event that is life-threatening, very disturbing or stressful. Symptoms include reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks, emotional numbness, avoiding reminders of the event, and being on edge or easily startled.
