The WCB Annual General Meeting is an opportunity for stakeholders to be kept informed of customer outcomes, key deliverables, financial state of the WCB system, future innovations, updated legislation as well as hear success stories of claimants and employers alike.

Here's a recap of our view on the Annual General meeting:

Positive 

• In the past,  at the end of the meeting there would be a question and answer period whereby stakeholders would be invited up to ask a question to the Board and the CEO.  This year they had numbered stations setup for a) Claimant Services (Questions related to a claim or benefit); b) Policy Related Questions; c) Employer Services etc.   
  Why we think this is a positive change?  It allows for a more personal connection with the staff of WCB which promotes relationship building amongst stakeholders.
• We had the opportunity to personally meet the new CEO, Trevor Alexander, at this forum and speak with him briefly about our business.  He is personable, approachable, and down to earth.  His vision for WCB-Alberta is to ensure each worker's claim is managed uniquely based on their injury and personal situation. We are hopeful Mr. Alexander will lead WCB forward with positive changes to come.  But like any change it is a process and can take years to achieve.

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​Work in Progress

• Each year WCB reveals their survey results.  You can click on this link to see the results but suffice to say they exceed all targets https://www.wcb.ab.ca/annual-report-2018/.  It appears 1.5% of Injured Workers were surveyed with a customer satisfaction survey result of 88.1 percent.  There needs to be more details as to how these numbers were derived at such as who was surveyed representing which of the following type of claims: no time loss, time loss, re-opened, permanent disability, etc.
  
  

In summary, we hope to continue building a relationship with the WCB and Mr. Alexander, CEO, in order to advocate for change and be a voice for you the Injured Worker.  We will continue to be your solutions in dealing with any concerns you have with WCB Alberta. We will continue to uphold our mission, vision and values to our clients. Working collaboratively together with you the Injured Worker and all stakeholders creates success for future positive changes.

Every year WCB holds an annual general meeting to discuss business results and operational highlights of the year prior (2018). WCB highlights their financial activities, provides a summary of claims administered, financial statements, etc.  Typically they like to share one injured worker success story.  We, at Ability Management Solutions, look at this Annual General Meeting as an opportunity for injured workers to come out and voice their concerns by asking questions in hopes this would be a venue that issues can be brought back to management.  This year the Annual General Meeting will be held on June 20, 2019 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.  We encourage all injured workers to attend.  If you are interested in attending, please complete the below form by May 21, 2019 which is the date registration opens and we will you add you to the list.  We cannot guarantee that all injured workers will be able to come so our selection will be first come first serve with the priority being our current clients.

Chronic pain is usually defined as any pain that can last more than 12 weeks. Acute pain is a normal sensation that alerts the body to an injury. Chronic pain persists- often for months or even longer.
 
IS CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROME COMPENSABLE?
Yes, the diagnosis of chronic pain or chronic pain syndrome(CPS) can be accepted under the WCB of Alberta if the following criteria is met per WCB policy:
 
WCB may consider treatment for chronic pain when the chronic pain has the following characteristics:

•  pain and related symptoms develop as a consequence of a compensable injury or condition,
•  the pain persists beyond the usual healing time for the injury,
•  complaints of pain and pain behavior are inconsistent with organic findings, and
•  pain impairs earning capacity.

 
Chronic pain syndrome may be compensable when the following conditions are met:

• all physical medical investigation and rehabilitation treatment have been concluded,
•  pain results in marked life disruption,
•  pain and related symptoms develop as a consequence of a compensable injury or condition,
•  the pain persists for six months or more beyond the usual healing time for the injury,
•  complaints of pain and pain behavior are inconsistent with organic findings, and
•  pain impairs earning capacity.

 
If you believe that you are suffering from this syndrome because of a work-related injury, please contact Ability Management Solutions clicking on the Contact Us button at the top of this page.  We will review your claim file in its entirety and ensure proper entitlements have been accepted under your claim.  We hope to be your solution to your WCB concerns!

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