Bill 47 introduced changes to how services will be delivered at the Fair Practices Office. Effective April 1, 2021 the Fair Practices Office has closed.
What does this mean for you?
If you are a worker or an employer currently working with an Appeals Advisor on a WCB claim file matter or appeal, you will see no change in service.
Appeals Advisor services will continue to operate as an arms-length program of the Government of Alberta beginning on April 1, 2021. This program is now called the Advisor Office for Alberta Workers’ Compensation. There will be no delay or disruption in service for any clients and these services will remain free-of-charge.
If you have a concern regarding administrative fairness within the worker’s compensation system, you still have options.
The WCB will establish a fairness review body effective April 1, 2021. Please visit WCB’s website at https://www.wcb.ab.ca/ for further information and contact details
For fairness issues related to the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation or the Medical Panels Office, you can contact the Alberta Ombudsman. Please visit the Alberta Ombudsman’s website at https://www.ombudsman.ab.ca/ for further information and contact details.
Fairness reviews that remain outstanding with the closure of the FPO have been terminated.
If you need assistance navigating the workers’ compensation system we can still help.
You can call us toll-free at 1-866-427-0115 and we can direct you to the appropriate people within the workers’ compensation system to help you with your concerns.