Michael Werier Appointed Chair of the Workers Compensation Board

(WINNIPEG) The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) announced today that Michael Werier has been appointed to the position of Chairperson of the WCB Board of Directors.  Werier begins a three year term April 1, 2009.

Werier is a lawyer with extensive experience as an arbitrator/mediator and expertise in employment and labour law, health law and civil litigation.  He serves as a Vice-Chair of the Manitoba Labour Board.  He is also chair of the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee which provided a consensus report on the Employment Standards Code.  In 2007, he served as the Commissioner on Salaries, Allowances and Retirement Benefits for Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

“I am happy to have the opportunity to serve on the WCB Board,” says Werier. “The Board plays a very important role in the lives of Manitoba workers and employers.”

“I am pleased to welcome Michael Werier to the WCB and wish him all the best in his new role,” says Labour Minister Nancy Allan.

Werier replaces Tom Farrell who was appointed acting Chairperson in 2005. During Farrell's tenure, he led the WCB through amendments to The Workers Compensation Act, implementation of extension of coverage and the Board of Director’s governance renewal.                                                           

The Manitoba WCB is a mutual injury and disability insurance agency governed by a Board of Directors representative of employers, workers and the public interest and funded by employer premiums.

For more information contact:

Warren Preece

Director of Communications

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

(204)-954-4113

1-800-362-3340

Email: wcb@wcb.mb.ca