Workers Compensation Board

The Workers Compensation Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and strategic planning of the organization. The Board establishes policies and programs required for the administration of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

What is the function of the board?
The Board’s legislated responsibilities include:

approval of Workers Compensation Board governance and program policies;
approval of annual operating and capital budgets;
approval of the creation and abolishment of staff positions;
appointment of external auditors;
approval of the Workers Compensation Board annual financial statements;
approval of the Workers Compensation Board Corporate Strategic Plan;
approval of purchase or sale of real property or construction of buildings;
approval of annual employer assessment rates.

Primary Role: Stewardship

Material Role: Strategic Development

How many people are on the board?
The Board shall be composed of a chairperson and as many members, equal in number, representative of employers and workers respectively, as the Lieutenant Governor in Council may determine, all of whom shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

What are the requirements of board members?
-Work & Experience Requirements
No requirements specified in legislation but experience and knowledge in these core competencies would be an asset, as follows:

WCB System Knowledge
Stakeholders Relations/Communications
Governance and Board Experience
Ethics
Leadership
Financial and Investment Knowledge
Innovation and Change Management
Strategic Planning
Audit and Risk Management
Policy and Legislative/Regulatory Experience

-Skills Required

Sound judgment
Ability and willingness to ask challenging questions
Capable of a wide, balanced perspective
A high degree of commitment to Workers Compensation
Personal integrity and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to read and understand written materials that involve complex issues, including financial statements, investment principles, medical conditions and legal issues.

What are the nomination requirements?
Statutory Nomination Requirements
The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint all members.

Will I be paid?
Chair – $200/diem and Members – $142/diem

What is the time commitment of the board?
Board members attend approximately 30 meetings a year including regular monthly board meetings, special meetings, training opportunities, conference calls, and consultation with external stakeholders.

All new nominees will be contacted and required to provide a criminal record check prior to appointment. Members of the Board shall hold office for a term not exceeding three years, subject to removal from office by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for cause, and are eligible for reappointment. As there is a significant “learning curve” for new Board members, the past practice has been to appoint members with varying terms to provide for an orderly turnover of members.

Workers Compensation Board – Members

NameCountyTerm StartTerm End
James MacPhee – ChairpersonKingsDec 17, 2022Dec 17, 2025
Krishna Burugadda – Employer RepresentativeQueensJune 22, 2021June 22, 2024
Alan MacKinnon – Employer RepresentativeKingsMay 23, 2020May 23, 2023
Gail Ellis – Employer RepresentativePrinceDec 19, 2020Dec 19, 2023
Nancy MacFadyen – Worker RepresentativePrinceMay 23, 2020May 23, 2023
Valerie Robinson – Vice-Chairperson/Worker RepresentativeQueensNov 29, 2022May 23, 2023
Blair Weeks – Worker RepresentativeQueensNov 29, 2022Nov 29, 2025

How can I apply?
If you would like to serve as a member of a provincial government agency, board, or commission (ABC) you can apply online through Engage PEI.

Who can I contact for more information?
By telephone:
WCB Office: 902-368-5680
Toll free in Atlantic Canada: 1-800-237-5049

In person:
14 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown

By mail:
Worker Compensation Board of PEI
PO Box 757
Charlottetown PE C1A 7L7

By fax:
General: 902-368-5696
Employer Services: 902-368-5705

More info: princeedwardisland.ca