Message from the Client Relations Officer

Deanna Harnish
Client Relations Officer
WCB Nova Scotia

Reflecting on my third year as WCB Nova Scotia’s Client Relations Officer, I have been honoured to engage with hundreds of workers and employers across Nova Scotia from diverse backgrounds.

As the WCB’s Client Relations Officer I am committed to responding to questions and concerns, carefully documenting and reviewing complaints and seeking solutions in collaboration with the WCB’s service delivery teams. I bring attention to service issues and prioritize collaboration to ensure an environment of accountability and action.

In 2023, I received 205 inquiries, largely from our valued MLAs. I documented 47 complaints, often focused on timeliness, communication, and appeals, highlighting areas where the WCB must strive for improvement, guided by our new strategic plan. Following a thorough review of each complaint, I was able to substantiate 15 complaints, reinforcing my commitment to accountability and transparency.

In 2023, I visited many MLA offices in Nova Scotia, and developed collaborative relationships that are helping to advance our shared commitment to supporting healthy and safe workplaces for working Nova Scotians.

I also attended all of the public engagement sessions for Government’s review of the WCB. These sessions provided a unique opportunity to meet with the people our system serves and to hear their perspectives on the ways WCB needs to improve.

As the WCB prepares to support more Nova Scotians facing work-related psychological injuries, I look forward to engaging across the workplace health and safety system and within government, to ensure the WCB’s service for this and all compensable injuries is meeting the needs and expectations of the people we serve.

Deanna Harnish