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Standards of Conduct introduced for lay advocates
The provincial government recently took steps to further improve B.C.'s workers' compensation system through the passing of Bill 37, the Skills Development and Labour Statute Amendment Act, 2003.
Among its benefits, the legislation also provides lay advocates with the legal authority to advise or act on behalf of employers or workers who are going through the workers' compensation system. The legislation is due to take effect as of December 31, 2003.
As a result of this change, the Workers' Compensation Board has created standards of conduct for lay advocates, which reflect the level of responsibility and trust placed in them by their clients and ensures that the highest ethical standards of interaction with the Board are maintained. A breach of the standards of conduct may result in a lay advocate's right of representation being restricted or denied by the WCB.