BACKGROUND
It has been well recognized that Employers needed a program of support and assistance. Despite the fact that Nova Scotia is among one of the remaining few provinces to implement an OEA, it has existed in various forms throughout Canada since the early 1980s. Finally, after 15 years, the Office of the Employer Advisor is available throughout the province as part of a pilot program to June 2011.
Over 60,000 employers exist in Nova Scotia, each requiring different levels of attention – the challenges Nova Scotia employers face that makes the job of an EA a necessity. With an ever-changing business environment, regulations and policies being amended or overhauled – the timing for such a program couldn't be better suited.
On April 21, 2006 the WSIS Coordinating Committee published the Stakeholder Counselor System proposal. The proposal dealt with an identified gap in the support available to employers to navigate the complex system of workers’ compensation. To remedy this situation, the Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Deputy Minister of what was then known as the Department of Environment and Labour proposed a new service: the Employer Counselor and Employee Counselor programs.
This program is one of two pilot programs (the other is the Employee Counselor Program) designed to:
• Increase stakeholder understanding and involvement in WSIS
• Ensure the right decision is being made as early as possible
• Reduce the litigiousness of the system
The OEA, NS was initially modelled after the Newfoundland and Labrador Employer's Council (NLEC). By adopting ACT (Advocacy, Communication & Training) OEA Nova Scotia does contribute to business success, healthy and safe workplaces and a healthy and vibrant community.
Since the launch of OEA in Nova Scotia, employers have responded! With up to 1300 inquiries per month from employers, the OEA, NS has exceeded growth expectations in less than two years.
In 2010 new staff will be added to assist employers and ensure the continued leadership and excellence for employers.
In January 2010, OEA NS became an Incorporated Society and is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of employer/business association representatives.