For Immediate Release

July 23, 2015

Business welcomes WCB surplus distribution payments

The approximately 42,000 businesses that received a payment this week as a part of the WCB surplus redistribution are very happy to receive the rebate and remain committed to enhancing their work place safety.

“The vast majority of Saskatchewan businesses have a real and sincere focus on their safety practices and as such these cheques are sort of dividend for that work. Businesses that maintain a positive safety status with the WCB are receiving cheques. Across the province there are $141 million in cheques being deposited and that’s a lot of money back in the hands of business,” said Saskatchewan Chamber CEO Steve McLellan.

The WCB announced a decision on June 22, 2015 to rebate 100 per cent of the investment funds over their mandated surplus levels. This move was advocated for by the Saskatchewan Chamber and other business groups and the Chamber applaud the decision of the WCB to act so promptly in releasing the full amounts.

“While companies will receive a wide range of rebate amounts, from $300 to into the millions, we encourage all businesses to direct this money back into their current and future safety plans. Making sure staff are well trained and have all the necessary equipment to work safely is job number one for business. These rebates can help fund those expanded efforts,” said McLellan.

The attached backgrounder provides a sector breakdown of the amounts rebated and the number of companies who will receive payments.

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