Halifax Newspaper Taking Workers Compensation Board to Supreme Court

Nova Scotia WCB Disobeys Freedom of Information Officer - Refuses to Release Safety Information

"The Chronicle-Herald is taking the Workers' Compensation Board to court over its refusal to release information about safe workplaces. . . . Managing Editor Dan Leger says this is a matter of "great public interest" and the paper will do what is necessary to make the information available to the public."

By: Ruth Davenport

The Chronicle-Herald is taking the Workers' Compensation Board to court over its refusal to release information about safe workplaces.

The Herald asked the board in February 2007 to identify the 25 companies in Nova Scotia with the most accidents and injuries in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The board argued that employers expect that information to be treated with discretion and releasing it could damage the board's relationship with them - as well as the employers' reputation.

Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information Officer rejected those arguments and ordered the Board to release the information. The Board continues to refuse, which has prompted the Herald to start proceedings in Supreme Court.

Managing Editor Dan Leger says this is a matter of "great public interest" and the paper will do what is necessary to make the information available to the public.