NLIS 1
Government Services
June 11, 2026
The Provincial Government has launched an independent statutory review of the workers’ compensation system in Newfoundland and Labrador and has appointed an independent review committee to lead and oversee the process. As required under the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022, an independent statutory review must be conducted every five years to ensure the system continues to meet the needs of workers and employers.
The membership of the review committee reflects a balanced representation of employer and worker interests:
- Darren Roberts, chairperson
- Doug Youden, vice-chair and employer representative
- Heather Stamp, employer representative
- Bernadette Coffey Sobol, worker representative
- Bob Fiander, worker representative
Members were nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, Trades NL, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trade. Biographical information for the committee members is in the backgrounder below.
The committee will examine system governance and operations, focusing on the following themes: Safety – Safe and Healthy Workplaces; Support – Fair and Sustainable Support for Workers and their Families; and Simplicity – A Streamlined, Efficient and Accessible Compensation System. Public input will be gathered by the committee through in-person, written and online consultations province-wide. Details on the consultations will be shared publicly by the committee once confirmed.
The review is funded through WorkplaceNL’s Injury Fund, with a final report and recommendations due to the Provincial Government by March 31, 2027.
The workers’ compensation system provides support to injured or ill workers through health care, wage-loss benefits, impairment payments, and retirement benefits. The work of the independent statutory review committee will help ensure the workers’ compensation system remains responsive, sustainable and effective in supporting workers and employers across the province.
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“The workers’ compensation system is strongest when it reflects the voices of those who rely on it. I encourage workers, employers, and stakeholders across the province to take part in this review. Your input will help strengthen a system that supports safe workplaces, delivers fair benefits, and ensures long-term sustainability for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Mike Goosney
Minister of Government Services
Minister of Labour
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of the 2026 Workers’ Compensation System Statutory Review Committee
Darren Roberts
Darren Roberts is retired from owning a private practice as a chartered professional accountant after 31 years of service. He graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1983. He has extensive knowledge of the workers’ compensation system having served on the board of WorkplaceNL for 13 years and served as chairperson of both the finance and investment committees. Mr. Roberts is presently serving as the deputy mayor of the Town of Stephenville, after 13 years as a councillor and holding the position of chairperson of finance for 12 years.
Doug Youden
Doug Youden graduated from Memorial University Faculty of Business Administration with a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-Op) in 1986 and a Master of Business Administration in 1991. His 40-year career includes time in Halifax, Guyana and St. John’s in senior management roles including as operations manager, acting VP HSEQ and as director, people. He has held the Canadian Registered Safety Professional safety designation and has served on a number of boards during his career.
Heather Stamp
Heather Stamp is a people and culture leader with MC Advisory and has more than 20 years of experience advising organizations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Areas of expertise include organizational strategy, workplace culture, leadership development, conflict resolution, workplace restoration, and organizational change. Ms. Stamp has extensive experience supporting boards, executives, and leadership teams in addressing complex organizational and workplace challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University, a Master of Education from Memorial University, a Master of Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University, and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She currently serves on several provincial and national boards.
Bernadette Coffey Sobol
Bernadette Coffey Sobol has spent the past 13 years supporting injured workers and helping them navigate the workers’ compensation system. Since taking on the role of workers’ compensation benefits and accommodations officer with NAPE in 2018, they’ve continued to build on that experience – work that started during their time as a workers’ advisor with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. They also represented the Federation of Labour on the 2019 Workers’ Compensation System Statutory Review Committee. Earlier in their career, they spent over 20 years working in the public service with the Department of Justice in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bob Fiander
Bob Fiander is the executive director of Trades NL (the Newfoundland and Labrador Building and Construction Trades Council) and a long-time labour leader in the province’s unionized construction sector. Throughout his career, Mr. Fiander has represented and defended workers’ rights through strong negotiation tactics, dispute resolution, grievance and arbitration processes, and government lobbying. A founding trustee of the Members Health Program, he was part of the building trades team tasked with developing the plan. Known for his vision and willingness to challenge the status quo, Mr. Fiander has consistently created new and unique opportunities for union members. Driven by an endless commitment to being on the right side of issues, and a personal dedication to delivering for the membership, Mr. Fiander proudly represents the skilled trades of Newfoundland and Labrador.
2026 06 11
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