WorkSafeBC names new chair

British Columbia’s former auditor general takes helm of board of directors

George Morfitt has been named chair of the board of directors for WorkSafeBC, replacing Roslyn Kunin who served as chair for the last two years.

Morfitt brings a wealth of experience to his new role — in health, safety and financial matters. He has been a WorkSafeBC director for nearly four years, representing the public interest, most recently as vice-chair of the board. He is also an adjunct professor for the University of Victoria, serving as an advisor to the School of Public Administration.

Previously, as auditor general of British Columbia, Morfitt led the implementation of governance and accountability measures to foster greater transparency — such as new auditing measures for government ministries, Crown corporations and agencies across the public sector, including WorkSafeBC. He also served recently as a councilor for the Health Council of Canada.

“Safety is a priority for my ministry and WorkSafeBC plays an integral role in ensuring the health and safety of British Columbians in the workplace,” said Minister of Labour Murray Coell. “I am confident Mr. Morfitt will carry on this important work, providing strategic leadership to WorkSafeBC, and to B.C.’s workers and employers.”

Outgoing chair

Kunin, whose term ended in May, was WorkSafeBC’s longest serving board member. She served on the board of directors for more than seven years, including two as chair. She is a well-respected economist and a member of the Order of Canada.

“I thank Dr. Kunin for her considerable contributions to the province of British Columbia and wish her every success in her future endeavors,” said Coell. “She has performed her role consistently well, and has demonstrated exemplary commitment to B.C.’s employers and workers.”

David Anderson, WorkSafeBC’s chief executive officer, said Kunin provided leadership during some of the agency’s best, and most challenging, years.

“During her tenure, B.C’s injury rate reached the lowest level on record, as did employer premium rates,” said Anderson. “At the same time, we sustained financial stability while worldwide economies were in a state of flux. She has led this organization admirably well, and we thank her for her unwavering dedication and vision. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Morfitt in his new role as WorkSafeBC’s chair.”

About the board

The composition of WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors, as laid out in legislation, ensures that priority is given to the public interest and that B.C.’s worker, employer, and health care/rehabilitation communities receive a balance of representation.

WorkSafeBC is an independent provincial statutory agency governed by a board of directors that serves about 2.3 million workers and more than 200,000 employers. WorkSafeBC was born from the historic compromise between B.C.’s workers and employers in 1917 where workers gave up the right to sue their employers and fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers.

WorkSafeBC is committed to safe and healthy workplaces and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits.

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