A Brief History

In 1913, Ontario Chief Justice Sir William Meredith completed a three-year Royal Commission researching workers' compensation laws around the world. He introduced the historic compromise that is maintained to this day: injured workers gave up the right to sue their employers in exchange for guaranteed no-fault benefits in the event of a work related injury or illness, and employers agreed to pay for the system, in exchange for protection against lawsuits.

Meredith's five key pillars would serve as the basis for workers' compensation legislation across Canada:

  • no-fault compensation
  • security of benefits
  • collective liability
  • exclusive jurisdiction
  • administration by independent boards

In 1916, John W. Wilton, MLA and well-known Winnipeg lawyer, introduced The Workmen's Compensation Act and is credited with single-handedly shepherding it through the Manitoba Legislature.

On March 10, 1916, the 15th Manitoba Legislature passed The Workmen’s Compensation Act, becoming the first province outside of Ontario to enact a version of Sir William Meredith’s workers compensation laws.

The Workmen’s Compensation Board was formed on September 1, 1916 to develop the structure and processes necessary to put The Workmen's Compensation Act into effect.

In 1974, the Manitoba Government decided to amend the language of The Workmen's Compensation Act to more accurately reflect the modern workforce – changing all mentions of workmen to workers.

See our Centennial Calendar for photos and more information about the WCB's last 100 years.

 

Media Event

WCB Celebrates 100 Years of Serving Manitobans with Unveiling of Honourary Street Sign

 

DATE:                   Thursday, September 1, 2016

TIME:                    10:00 a.m.

LOCATION:          Workers Compensation Board

                               333 Broadway

                               Outside front plaza

                               Will be located in Lecture Theatre I in case of inclement weather.

SPEAKING:           Michael Werier, Chair of the WCB

Portrayal of John W. Wilton, MLA who shepherded The Workmen's Compensation Act through the legislature in 1916.

Cliff Cullen, Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade

Noreen Duncan, daughter of Norman Elliott, pioneer of Return to Work at the WCB

Youth Contest

It's Time to #WIN100!
 
If you're a young Manitoban between the ages of 14 and 24, you could win a $1,000 bursary for post-secondary education and two tickets to Kanye West at the MTS Centre!
 
All you have to do is upload a photo or video to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tell us how the WCB is here to help. Don't forget to include the hashtag #WIN100!
 
It's that easy. Contest runs September 1 - October 2, 2016.

 

Links

Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada

100 Years of the Meredith Principles (2013)

Follow us on Twitter @WCBManitoba for more 100th anniversary trivia.