EDMONTON, Alta. — Labour Minister, Clint Dunford, announced a $9 million-overhaul to Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) yesterday, but employers are worried they’ll foot the bill.

Companies have already voiced concern that they’ll face increased premiums to offset the costs of the overhaul. But injured workers, who were denied funds, are applauding the changes, as they may have the opportunity to receive compensation after all.

A tribunal will be set up to hear arguments of workers who feel they were wronged by the system, and decided whether or not to extend benefits.

“The changes we are announcing today will significantly improve the workers’ compensation system in Alberta,” says Dunford.

Other changes include removing decision-making power from case workers and transferring that to an adjudicator, creating a separate department to hear appeals. As well, it creates a time limit in which decisions must be reached regarding appeals.