Regina, Sask., March 6, 2024 –The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) would like to formally thank board member Garry Hamblin for nearly a decade of dedicated service to the WCB. This is following the recent expiration of his term with the board.
“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Garry since 2015,” said Gord Dobrowolsky, chair of the WCB. “Garry brought a unique perspective to the board and was a passionate supporter of the workers he represented. He faithfully fulfilled the duties of this role, and we are grateful for his service to the board and to the workers of our province.”
The worker representative role that Mr. Hamblin filled since his appointment brings forward the viewpoint of workers at the board level. As a collective, the board provides policy direction, adjudicates final appeals and rules on rights of action while representing the viewpoints of workers and employers. Mr. Hamblin also played an instrumental role as a member of the WCB’s Board Appeal Tribunal adjudicating appeal decisions on behalf of workers and employers of Saskatchewan.
“On behalf of the executive, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Garry for his many years of dedicated service to the board on behalf of the workers of our province,” said the WCB’s CEO Phillip Germain. “I’ve been honoured to work with Garry throughout his full term in his capacity on our board and appreciate the guidance he has provided to administration through the board.”
Garry Hamblin was appointed the WCB worker representative in 2015. Mr. Hamblin, who is from Saskatoon, has a Canadian Insurance Professional designation and worked for 27 years at Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Over the course of his career, he participated in hundreds of mediations and appeals within SGI’s no-fault system. He has brought to the board his extensive knowledge of the insurance industry and his experience in helping people access benefit entitlements, as well as understand legislation and policy relevant to their unique situations.
Mr. Hamblin is a past president of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 397. He received his certificate in adjudication for administrative agencies, boards and tribunals from the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in 2016 and in 2017 he completed the ICD – Rotman Directors Education Program. He received his certificate in tribunal administrative justice (CTAJ) designation from the Foundation of Administrative Justice in 2022. He continues to actively pursue ongoing governance and adjudication training.
All board members are appointed by the provincial government for a specified term and together ensure a strong governance framework for the WCB. They provide strategic direction to leadership, and effective oversight of financial and operational performance. Board members also approve policies, oversee risk management and engage with customers and partners. The full-time board members perform their appeals and adjudicative function.
The WCB is an independent board that is legislated to administer Saskatchewan’s no-fault workplace insurance system under The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 (the Act), which came into force on Jan. 1, 2014. The WCB follows the Meredith Principles, and the Act establishes the legislative framework within which employers in industries and occupations covered by the Act pay premiums to the board to provide guaranteed benefits and programs to workers. In exchange, covered employers are protected from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.