Average WCB rates reduced for 2011 in Alberta • Distracted driving legislation passed in Alberta • Manitoba WCB premiums decrease for 2011 • N.B. assessment rates reduced for 2011 • Distracted driving legislation passed in N.B.
ALBERTA
Average WCB rates reduced for 2011
The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta announced a 2011 average industry premium rate of $1.22 per $100 of insurable earnings, which is lower than last year. Sixty-eight per cent of employers will have a lower base rate; eight per cent will maintain their base rate; and 24 per cent will have a higher base premium rate. In an effort to incent safer workplaces, WCB will apply a poor performance surcharge of 25 to 200 per cent on their premiums to just over 1,100 employers whose claims costs are more than 80 per cent higher than the industry average. There were 690 employers that improved significantly enough to move completely out of a poor performance surcharge position for 2011. Workers’ 2011 maximum insurable earnings will increase to $82,800.
Distracted driving legislation passed
The Alberta government has passed the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada. Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010, restricts the use of hand-held cell phones and activities such as texting, reading, writing and personal grooming, and puts restrictions on using other electronic devices while driving. This legislation permits the use of hands-free phones. Also, radio communication devices such as CB radios are allowed for commercial purposes and search and rescue services. Drivers may use hand-held devices to contact emergency services — such as 911 — and this legislation does not affect the official duties of emergency service personnel including law enforcement, fire and medical services. The proposed fine for the distracted driving offence is $172 with no demerit points. Drivers engaged in any of the identified activities can be charged under this new law. This legislation will come into force upon proclamation, with an anticipated grace period, and could take effect by the middle of 2011. In the coming months, the province will launch a public education and awareness campaign to help Albertans understand the details of the new distracted driving legislation.
