Electrical Contractors Association of

July 20, 2020

Honourable Harry Bains Minister of Labour Government of British Columbia Room 342 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Submitted via Email: [email protected]

Dear Minister Bains:

Re: Bill 23, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2020 – Business Community Response

I am writing on behalf of the Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia to voice our membership’s concerns with Bill 23, Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, 2020.

ECABC represents approximately 150 members across the province including open shop and union electrical contractors, line contractors, and associate members. Our membership includes small businesses and large contractors, working in every region of the province. Collectively, our members employ thousands of journeyperson electricians, electrical apprentices, project managers, estimators, office staff and more.

I understand that you received a letter earlier today signed by the leaders of British Columbia’s business community, including the Council of Construction Associations, expressing a detailed summary of issues with the Act. Overall, ECABC shares the concerns they have identified.

In particular, we are very concerned about the potential for Bill 23 to add substantial costs to the workers’ compensation system, which would inevitably result in increased employer premiums paid by our members. The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for British Columbia’s economy, businesses and workers over the last four months, and the future is filled with uncertainty. Now is not an appropriate time to be increasing costs on businesses.

The legislation also includes language that would reportedly ‘fast track’ implementation of a WorkSafeBC COVID-19 presumption determination. This step independently is problematic, as the policy lacks scientific and medical evidence based on current information, and also appears likely to duplicate the intent of a national sick pay program that appears likely to be implemented later this year with the support of recently-announced federal funding.

ECABC joins British Columbia’s business community in urging you to reconsider this legislation, and allow employers to focus on getting workers safely back to work and rebuilding our province’s economy.

201 - 3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby BC V5C 6P8 Phone: (604) 294-4123 Fax: (604) 294-4120 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eca.bc.ca

Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia

Sincerely,

Deborah Cahill President, Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia

Cc: Premier , MLA , MLA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

201 - 3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby BC V5C 6P8 Phone: (604) 294-4123 Fax: (604) 294-4120 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eca.bc.ca