Over one hundred years ago, Sir William Meredith tabled a report in the Ontario Legislature, establishing what would become known as the Meredith Principles. Like all workers compensation systems in Canada, the Meredith Principles are the foundation of the WSCC.
The Meredith Principles are a historic compromise in which employers fund the compensation system and share the liability for injured workers. In return, injured workers receive benefits while they recover, and cannot sue their employers.
The workers' compensation system in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut is an essential part of life in the north. It contributes to social and economic stability, and positively impacts the quality of life for northern workers.
The Meredith Principles are based on:
- NO FAULT COMPENSATION: workers are paid benefits regardless of how the injury occurred. The worker and employer waive the right to sue. There is no argument over responsibility or liability for an injury.
- SECURITY OF BENEFITS: a fund is established to guarantee funds exist to pay benefits to workers.
- COLLECTIVE LIABILITY: all employers share liability for workplace injury insurance. The total cost of the compensation system is shared by all employers. All employers contribute to a common fund. Financial liability becomes their collective responsibility.
- INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION: the organizations who administer workers' compensation insurance are separate from government.
- EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION: only workers' compensation organizations can provide workers' compensation insurance. All compensation claims are made directly to the compensation board. The board is the decision-maker and final authority for all claims.