Appeals Commission, Edmonton, AB

The Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation is quasi-judicial tribunal operating under the authority of the Workers’ Compensation Act as the final level of appeal from decisions made by a review body appointed by the system administrator, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Our mission is to provide a timely, fair, and independent appeals process consistent with legislation, policy, and the principles of natural justice. As a Government of Alberta entity independent of the WCB, the Commission reports to the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. This reporting relationship is guided by the Appeals Commission’s Mandate and Roles Document, which is housed with the Agency Governance Secretariat.
Adjudicators, including the Chief Appeals Commissioner, are merit-based appointments recruited through public competition. Commissioners are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council as representative of either the interests of employers or the interests of workers. To ensure impartial and unbiased adjudication, legislation prohibits the appointment of WCB employees or members of the WCB Board of Directors as commissioners. Presently, there are 55 adjudicators – 20 full-time hearing chairs and 35 part-time commissioners. The Chief Appeals Commissioner also acts as the CEO of the Appeals Commission, directing its operations with the support of an executive team comprising two Vice-Chairs, Lead Counsel, and the Director.