Manitoba PCs Introduce Legislation to Ensure WCB Surplus Funds Distributed Fairly
WINNIPEG — Manitoba PCs have introduced amendments to the Workers Compensation Act to guarantee any surplus funds held by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) are returned to employers.
Bill 228, The Workers Compensation Amendment Act (Distribution of Surplus Funds), will require the Board to distribute surplus amounts to employers when the Board is in an overfunded position.
“While the WCB currently has a policy to issue refunds to employers, legislating this policy creates fairness and predictability for Manitoba employers,” said Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, who introduced the bill. “This will help small businesses by ensuring that excess funds are returned to those who contributed.”
Bill 228 is based on similar legislation in Ontario, which has had a legislated refund policy since 2021. Like Ontario’s legislation, Bill 228 allows the WCB to issue a refund when the ratio of assets to liabilities exceeds 1.15, but requires the WCB to do so when the ratio reaches 1.25.
“It’s great to see this bill introduced that would give Manitoba employers the same certainty and fairness that businesses in Ontario benefit from,” said Tyler Slobogian, Senior Policy Analyst, Prairies and the North, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). “CFIB has been calling for a clear, legislated surplus distribution policy for years. Small businesses deserve predictable relief when reserves grow beyond the Board’s own targets.”
“Formalizing this process in law would strengthen trust, improve transparency, and ensure that surplus funds are returned to the employers who pay directly into the system.”
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