WCB Announces Appointments to the Legislative Review Advisory Committee

George MacDonald, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board today announced appointments to a Legislative Review Advisory Committee which will begin immediately to review the Workers Compensation Act. The Workers Compensation Board is required to appoint an Advisory Committee to review the Act every five years.

MacDonald explained that “The role of the Legislative Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Workers Compensation Board on proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act.”

Mr. Eugene Murphy has been appointed the Chair of the committee. Mr. Murphy is a former educator and high school principal with over thirty years experience in teaching and education administration. Mr. Murphy retired as principal of Bluefield High School in 2001 and served as an administrator and sessional lecturer with the University of Prince Edward from 2001-2006.

Worker representatives are Mr. Carl Pursey and Ms. Joyce MacLean. Mr. Pursey is the President of the P.E.I. Federation of Labour and has over twenty-five years experience assisting workers with labour issues. Ms. MacLean was an injured worker and is presently employed by the Provincial Government in the Department of Social Services and Seniors. She is completing a conflict resolution program at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Employer representatives are Mr. John McKenna and Mr. Mike Annear. Mr. McKenna was nominated through the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and has over twenty years experience in firefighting, plant, office and supervisory roles. Mr. Annear was nominated by the P.E.I. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association and is a member of its Board of Directors. He has worked in the construction industry since 1993, onsite and in a managerial capacity.

Mr. George Cantelo has been appointed the Member at Large. Mr. Cantelo is retired from the Provincial Government where he held the position of Director of Employee Relations. He has served as a member of the Employment Standards Board where, among other things, he has been involved in adjudicating complaints from non-unionized employees. He is presently a member of the P.E.I. Law Society Governing Council and is a member of the Law Society’s Discipline Committee.

George MacDonald, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board, said “In addition to the voting members, there are three full participating, non-voting committee members: Bonnie Blakney, Director of the Legislative Review, Shawn Shea, Worker Advisor and Keith Mullins, Employer Advisor.” The Committee will complete their work by December 2007.

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

Tel: (902) 894-0362
Email: mabarrett@wcb.pe.ca