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Legislative amendments dealing with workers' compensation in Saskatchewan were introduced Monday by Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan. Highlights of the The Workers' Compensation Act, 2012 include: improving benefits for injured workers by increasing the maximum insurable earnings; introduction of a system of indexation to ensure benefits are adjusted annually; allowing workers, upon reaching age 65, to choose between purchasing an annuity or receiving a lump sum payment; and Êproviding the board with the ability to assess administrative penalties. The maximum wage rate, the upper limit on earnings used for the calculation of benefits, will increase from $55,000 to $59,000 for new claims. The new Act contains an indexation formula based on increases to the average weekly wage. Additionally, all current claimants in the province will receive an annual increase in benefits to ensure they are consistent with inflation. The province said the Act has also been restructured to improve readability and ease of use by removing gender-specific language, using consistent terms, and improving clarity and ease of use for stakeholders. 'The Workers' Compensation Act, 2012, is a positive step forward for workers in Saskatchewan,' Morgan said. 'The new legislation eliminates inconsistencies, clarifies legislative applications and improves the benefits for injured workers.' _ Compiled from a Government of Saskatchewan news release
