On August 14, 2020, the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 23) came into effect. Under Bill 23, 34 legislative amendments were made to the Workers Compensation Act (Act). One of these legislative amendments concerns retirement age determinations and came into effect on January 1, 2021.

On December 9, 2020, the Board of Directors (BOD) approved changes to three policies in the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II to ensure policy is consistent with the Bill 23 amendments regarding retirement age determinations. These policy changes became effective January 1, 2021.

You can view the BOD resolution regarding the Bill 23 amendments to retirement age determinations here.

The BOD approved policy changes in advance of stakeholder consultation to ensure WorkSafeBC policy aligns with the Act as amended by Bill 23 on January 1, 2021. Our Policy, Regulation and Research Division is now releasing a discussion paper with options on these newly revised policies to identify whether further policy changes are necessary. You’re invited to provide feedback on the options until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021.

The discussion paper, revised policies, and information on how to provide feedback can be accessed through the following link:

Discussion paper

There are a number of ways for you to provide feedback on the options and policy changes.

The consultation period will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021. The BOD will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on further policy changes.

Please note that all comments become part of the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.