WCB Bill 6 Information for Farm Owners

On January 1, 2016, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, or better known as Bill 6 came into effect in Alberta marking a change in workers’ compensation coverage for farm owners, and the people who work for them.

The controversial bill brings Alberta in line with other provinces in Canada that already have legislation covering workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety regulations, employment standards and labour relation codes for farming and ranching industries.

As much as Bill 6 represents a burden on farm and ranch owners to put new practices in place and comply with legislative standards and regulations, it provides much needed protection and compensation to non-family farm and ranch employees similar to what is extended to any other employee, and to what is in place in other provinces.

It also protects farm and ranch owners from legal action being taken by an injured worker, the result of which could be far more costlier than any WCB premiums.

“It’s Important to know that these premiums must be paid by the farm owner

and cannot be deducted from an employee’s wages.”

Although Bill 6 initially suggested that all workers on farm and ranches would be included, the bill has been, and continues to be, modified to accurately reflect the unique aspects of farming and ranching operations.

As such, mandatory coverage has been limited to farms and ranches with at least one paid employee, meaning farm/ranch owners, their family and neighbours who voluntarily help out are still exempt from mandatory WCB coverage.

What will WCB cost me?

As a general guideline, the typical rates would apply per $100 of insurable earnings:

• $1.70 – Agri-tourism farms, greenhouses/market gardens, mushroom producers, bait farms
• $1.75 – Apiaries, fishing/fish or fur farms, goat/sheep producers, hog producers, poultry/egg producers
• $2.25 – Forage & peat moss processing, hay/grain/crop farming, harvesting/baling-custom
• $2.97 – Beef producers, dairy farms, elk/bison producers, feed lots, livestock auctions/stockyards, llama/alpaca producers, riding academies/horse stables

Therefore, a farm or ranch with salaried employees totalling $50,000 per year (before taxes), WCB premiums could range from $850 to $1,485 per year, depending on the type of operation. It’s important to know that these premiums must be paid by the farm owner, and cannot be deducted from an employee’s wages.

While WCB accounts are not required for farm and ranching operations that do not employ salaried workers, optional WCB coverage can be obtained for farm and ranch owners, themselves, as well as any family member, friend or neighbour that helps out.

Farm and ranch owners have until April 30, 2016 to set up their WCB account. Failure to meet this deadline can result in fines and penalties levied by the WCB.

Information about how to set up an account can be found at the WCB Alberta website and additional clarification and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the New Account Holder’s Employer Fact Sheet.

Alternatively, farm and ranch owners can connect with us to help simplify and consult on these changes. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin. Feel free to reach out directly during business hours using our chat feature or by calling 1-844-377-9545 or email us anytime at [email protected], [email protected].