News release

New WCB Assessment Payment Plan goes into operation in partnership with the CCRA

"The Nova Scotia business community was consulted before we designed this plan," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister Responsible for the Workers' Compensation Act in Nova Scotia. "We responded to their requests for a simpler, fairer, and more convenient payment system, and came up with a method that, with the co-operation of the CCRA, helps employers better manage their cash flow."

"I am pleased that the partnership between the WCB of Nova Scotia and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency enhances the competitiveness of businesses in Nova Scotia," said the Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of National Revenue and Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the regions of Quebec. "The CCRA became an agency in order to enter into such partnerships and to offer new services. I see other partnerships, at various levels of government, being encouraged by the positive results we are seeing in Nova Scotia."

The new APP offers significant improvements for employers making payments to the WCB of Nova Scotia. Employers now make their WCB payments based on actual payroll instead of estimates, and use the same payment dates and frequencies they use for federal payroll deductions. Previously, Nova Scotia employers were required to make a single annual payment in advance each March.

Employers can now make their WCB payments using the same payment methods as for other CCRA payments, including in person at their financial institution, through their payroll service provider, using their financial institution's Internet or telephone services, or by mail to the CCRA. These payment options offer more choice and convenience for employers.

The new payment plan went into effect in January 2000. Using the same payment frequencies as for their payroll deductions remittances, most registered employers have already made their first payments under the new system. While the largest employers began paying in January, the majority of employers registered with the WCB made their first payment under the new system on February 15. One last group, those who remit quarterly, will make their first payment on or before April 15.

To deliver this new payment process, the WCB of Nova Scotia has harmonized many of its rules and practices with the CCRA. For example, the WCB of Nova Scotia has adopted the CCRA Business Number (BN) and developed forms similar to those used for federal payroll deductions. The familiarity with the federal program is making the transition to the new WCB system smoother for employers.

"The WCB partnered with the CCRA to provide better service to employers, and specifically, to provide this new and innovative way for paying WCB premiums," said David Stuewe, CEO of the WCB of Nova Scotia. "The Assessment Payment Plan reduces red tape and duplication of effort for employers who deal with various levels of government and government agencies. There is only one taxpayer, and through our partnership with the CCRA, we are offering better service, in a cost-effective way."

Many local Nova Scotia businesses agree, including Dennis MacIntyre, of Hillman's Transfer Limited in Sydney. "Under the old system, we had to make an annual lump-sum payment in March. That also was the month that many other payments for permits and licences were due. Like many businesses, the first quarter can be slow, which makes it difficult to raise the full premium early in the year. Now, paying as you go will work better for us."

For some employers, how you make your payments is just as important as when you make your payments. "I pay the federal deductions and workers' compensation in one cheque, and make that payment at the bank at the same time I make the other deposits. It's very convenient," says Victoria Hopkinson of Ledwidge Lumber Limited in Enfield.

The Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia provides workplace accident insurance to 300,000 workers and 16,000 employers in the province.

For more information, contact:

Shelley Rowan
Communications
Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
(902) 491-8105

Roy Jamieson
Communications, Atlantic Region
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
(902) 426-9889

Al Hollingsworth
Communications
Department of Labour
(902) 424-4680

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