WINNIPEG -  Wally Fox-Decent will step down February 12 from the position of Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.

Fox-Decent was first appointed board chair in 1992, being reappointed four times by successive provincial governments, both NDP and Conservative.  Fox-Decent was appointed by the Board of Directors to the position of CEO for a three year period from May 1995 to October 1998.  

Fox-Decent cited health concerns and a desire to reduce his workload in the decision to retire early, “I want to be able to spend time with my granddaughters and it’s important for my personal well being to pull back from my work commitments.”

“It is with some sadness I take my leave of the WCB, but I also have a tremendous sense of accomplishment at the success of the organization.  The turnaround since I arrived at the WCB in 1992 is a testament to hard work and commitment of the board members and staff at the WCB,” said Fox-Decent.

Manitoba WCB rates are the lowest in the country.  The Manitoba WCB is one of only a few fully funded WCBs in Canada.  The Time Loss Injury Rate has fallen by over 20% in Manitoba from the year 2000 to 2004 and is expected to fall further in 2005.

“I am proud of the fact that 97% of the Board of Director decisions have been unanimous since I assumed the chair in 1992,” added Fox-Decent.

Fox-Decent has been an active contributor to Manitoba outside his duties as Chair of the WCB.  He has been awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Public Service.  Fox-Decent is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba.

Most recently he chaired the review committee into the Workers Compensation Act.  That panel presented the government with 100 consensus recommendations to improve the WCB system.  As well, Fox-Decent chaired the review into the Workplace Safety and Health Act in 2002.  Fox-Decent is also stepping down from chairing the Minister's Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee and the Construction Industry Wages Act.

Fox-Decent is active as a mediator/arbitrator in labour relations.  Fox-Decent chaired three successive Manitoba Legislative Task Forces on constitutional reform.

Fox-Decent has long been active in the Military Reserves holding the rank of Rear Admiral on the supplementary reserve list and was made Commander of the Order of Military Merit for Outstanding Military Service. 

Contact:
Warren Preece
Director of Communications
WCB of Manitoba
Phone: (204) 954-4113 or 1-800-362-3340
E-mail: wcb@wcb.mb.ca