An Interview with Eric Costen, Deputy Minister Champion of PCU-WHS

Mr. Eric Costen, Associate Deputy Minister of Health Canada was appointed Deputy Minister Champion of PCU-WHS in May 2024. Following a recent visit to the PCU-WHS campus in Port Alberni and spending a full day meeting with staff of both PCU-WHS and NIDMAR, learning about the many initiatives that are taking place, he agreed to sit down for an interview. This newsletter  provides his responses to our questions.

Please click on the following link to download the newsletter.
PCU-WHS Newsletter Vol 10 Issue 39 October 2024 An Interview with Eric Costen

IFDM 2024 – A Great Success


“Great success” were the words being used by delegates who attended the IFDM 2024 that took place in Vancouver, Canada, September 16 and 17, 2024. With a maximum capacity of 320 delegates from 12 countries around the world, and with over 70 leading edge presentations, delegates were enthusiastic with the topics that were available for them to attend.

IFDM 2024 was opened through an inspiring presentation by Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s first National Accessibility Officer and former long-time BC Cabinet Minister, who was joined on the opening podium by John Mutch, Chair of the Board, Canadian Society of Professionals in Disability Management (CSPDM), and Co-MCs Sari Sairanen, Executive Assistant to the Secretary Treasurer of UNIFOR and Rod Cook, Vice-President of Workplace Health & Safety Services, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario.

The Hon. Harry Bains, BC Minister of Labour, provided the official welcome to British Columbia and also highlighted some of the recent developments in the province designed to improve employment outcomes and accessibility challenges facing persons with disabilities.

We were very pleased that the closing keynote presentation, which chartered future opportunities and challenges in global Disability Management, was delivered by Prof. Dr. Joachim Breuer, former long time CEO of the German Federal Workers Compensation system, the world’s largest, and, between 2016-2022, he was President of the International Social Security Organization in Geneva.

The successful conference ended with the hand-over for IFDM 2026 to take place in Scotland.

PCU-WHS International Academic Team Meeting held on Campus


A full Agenda was on schedule for the PCU-WHS Academic Team when it met recently at its Port Alberni campus facility. Attending were the following:

Back row L to R: Abifatah Abdi, Director of Professional and Continuing Education Studies; Professor Jane Harte, James Cook University, Australia; Dr. Bert Biggs, Acting Director of Academic Operations & Manager of Flexible Admissions; Dr. Susan Patrick, Senior Academic Lead; Dr. Kara Arnold, Chief Academic Officer; Swati Garg, Manager of Admissions and Student Services; Dr. Tyler Amell, Registrar.
Front row L to R: Dr. Lorne Sulsky, Senior Academic Advisor; Wolfgang Zimmermann, President; Heather Persons, Student Support; Olivia Seguin-Coles, Administrative Technology Specialist.
Inset: Dr. Donal McAnaney, fr. Chief Academic Officer & Member of the International Research Advisory Council.

Appointment of Eric Costen as Deputy Minister University Champion


The Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS) is very pleased to announce that Mr. Eric Costen, Associate Deputy Minister of Health, has been appointed the Deputy Minister University Champion for PCU-WHS. Mr. Costen began his public service career in 2003 and has held senior roles across the federal government including at Health Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

To read the full article, please click on the link to the newsletter below:
PCU-WHS Newsletter Vol 10 Issue 38 May 2024 Appointment of Eric Costen Dep.Min.Univ.Champion

Scholarship Opportunities for BC Residents


Application Deadline: July 15, 2024

  • Scholarship towards either full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program at Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS).
  • Made possible by funding to the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement (WDA)
  • $6,500 annually for each of two years of full-time study, or $3,250 annually for the first 3 years only of four years of part-time study, applied towards tuition fees.
  • Scholarship funds will cover most (but NOT all) of the annual course tuition per year applied, and can only be applied to tuition for the specialized courses required to complete the 2+2 BDM program.

This is a critical gateway to a highly desirable and rewarding professional career opportunity in the rapidly expanding field of Return to Work and Disability Management not only in BC, but across Canada and internationally.

Candidates must:

⋅ Have permanent resident (landed immigrant) or Canadian citizenship status and be permanent     residents of British Columbia;

⋅ Meet the admission criteria of PCU-WHS, and must qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program (i.e., the 2+2 program). To qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3, applicants must:

  • Have graduated with an associate degree, 2-year diploma, or other relevant educational prerequisite which provides 60 transferable academic credits (or equivalent) in a range of disciplines

                    OR

  •  Be eligible for Admission Directly into Year 3 (i.e., the 2+2 BDM program) on the basis of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). A combination of professional experience and career education will be assessed under Flexible Admission policy on a case-by-case basis. Applicants under Flexible Admission should have a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a related field.

⋅ Be in a position to register for full-time (10 courses per year) or part-time (5 courses per year) study in the 2+2 BDM program beginning in September 2024 and to complete the degree within a 2-year period for full-time study or 4-year period for part-time study. The Scholarship will apply to both years of the 2+2 program for full-time study, but only the first 3 years of the 2+2 BDM program for part-time study.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-qualified basis.

WDA-Information-Booklet-2024

WDA-Grant-Scholarship-Application-Form-2024

**** The application form and information booklet for 2025 are not yet available.

  • The Scholarship program is made possible by funding to the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
  • Candidates may apply for a Scholarship towards either full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program at Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS).
  • Each successful candidate will be entitled to $6,500 annually for each of two years of full-time study, or $3,250 annually for the first 3 years only of four years of part-time study, applied towards tuition fees.
  • Scholarship funds will cover most (but NOT all) of the annual course tuition per year, and can only be applied to tuition for the specialized courses required to complete the 2+2 BDM program.
  • Candidates must:
    • have completed at least 60 transferable academic credits from a recognized post-secondary institution (or equivalent; more information below).

OR

  • qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3 (i.e., 2+2 BDM program) by Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) / Flexible Admission.
  • The Scholarship program duration is 2 years for full-time study, or the first 3 years only of part-time study, in the 2+2 BDM program. Recipients for full-time study are expected to graduate within this 2-year time frame; those for part-time study will be responsible for the full tuition for the final year of the program, and are expected to graduate at the completion of the 4th
  • The percentage to which the annual Scholarship will cover actual tuition costs will be contingent on the number of transfer credits with which prospective students enter the degree program, and any additional courses that may be required.

Eligible individuals may apply for a Scholarship for either full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor in Disability Management (BDM) program.

The WDA Grant Scholarship will provide

  • $6,500 annually for each of 2 years of full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, to cover most of the course tuition for the specialized courses required to complete the BDM degree. Applicants will be responsible for covering the balance of the tuition: approximately $1,120 per academic year for a student entering with 60 credits and with suitable research coursework. Textbooks, which are required by several courses, are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • $3,250 annually for the first 3 years only of part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, to cover most of the course tuition for the first 3 years of specialized courses required to complete the BDM degree. Applicants will be responsible for covering the balance of the tuition for the first 3 years: approximately $560 per academic year for a student entering with 60 credits and with suitable research coursework. Textbooks, which are required by several courses, are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses for completion of the program (the final 1 year of part-time study).

The WDA Grant Scholarship is open to candidates with landed immigrant or Canadian citizenship status who are permanent residents of British Columbia.

Successful candidates must:

  • Meet the admission criteria of PCU-WHS.

In addition, successful candidates must qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3 of the BDM program (i.e., the 2+2 program). Your Scholarship would then apply to your 2+2 program (2 years for full-time study or the first 3 years only for full-time study). To qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3, applicants must:

  • Have graduated with an associate degree, 2-year diploma, or other relevant educational prerequisite which provides 60 transferable academic credits (or equivalent) in a range of disciplines (preferred domains listed below).
    • Current students must be attending a BC post-secondary institution.
    • Students converting from an existing career path may have graduated from any university or college.
    • Candidates with an average post-secondary GPA of 3.0 or higher will be preferred.

OR

  • Be eligible for Admission Directly into Year 3 (i.e., the 2+2 program) on the basis of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). A combination of professional experience and career education will be assessed under Flexible Admission policy on a case-by-case basis. Applicants under Flexible Admission should have a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a related field.

Preferred domains of previous study include:

  • Human Resources
  • Occupational Health Safety
  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Social Work
  • An application fee of $100 is required.
  • The WDA Grant Scholarship will cover most of the tuition required to complete the 2+2 BDM program in 2 years of full-time study, or most of the tuition of the first 3 years only to complete the 2+2 BDM program in 4 years of part-time study. Students are responsible for covering the balance of tuition: approximately $1,120 per academic year for full-time study; or approximately $560 per academic year for the first 3 years of part-time study, and approximately $3,810 for the final 1 year of part-time study (as of December 2021).
  • The costs of elective or additional courses, if required, are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • There will be other incidental costs, including costs of textbooks and other materials, which are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • The cost of a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) review for Flexible Admission ($400) is not covered by the Scholarship.
  • The cost of a PLAR request for any specialized BDM course is not covered by the Scholarship.
  • Fees for any course not completed within the Scholarship period will be the responsibility of the student.
  • The percentage of actual tuition costs that the annual Scholarship will cover will be contingent on the number of transfer credits with which prospective students enter the degree program.
  • Students who do not have suitable research coursework or experience may be required to take a 300-level research course prior to entering their final year of the program. This course (WHDM 306) is not covered by the Scholarship.

The WDA Grant Scholarship will apply to:

  • 2 years of full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, commencing with the Fall 2024 trimester and terminating with the Spring 2026 trimester.

OR

  • the first 3 years only of part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, commencing with the Fall 2024 trimester and terminating with the Spring 2027 trimester. You can anticipate completion of the part-time program 1 year later (Spring 2028 trimester) without Scholarship funding.
  • Successful candidates are required to attend the PCU-WHS online 2+2 BDM program beginning in September 2024.
  • You are also required to attend an online orientation to the program in advance of the first academic term.
  • You must maintain an academic standing of 3.0 (B) or higher each trimester throughout your studies. If you fail to achieve this, you will be given the following trimester to restore your standing.
  • You must be in a position to register in full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program beginning in September 2024, and to complete the degree within a 2-year period for full-time study or 4-year period for part-time study.
  • To qualify for admission to the full-time WDA Grant Scholarship program, you must not be working full-time.

PCU-WHS is located in Port Alberni, British Columbia, but all BDM courses are offered exclusively online. Residents of British Columbia can study from their city or town of residence.

All courses at PCU-WHS are offered online by highly qualified faculty with a depth of multidisciplinary experience.

Students require a computer, an Internet connection (high-speed internet is recommended), and internet browser software to participate in the courses. Students should have a computer with a sound card and speakers to listen to course videos and audio, plus a microphone to participate in synchronous sessions. All courses require a word processing application such as Microsoft Word. Individual courses may have additional software requirements. Technical assistance is available for all courses.

The online platform provides you with:

  • 24-hour access to course resources and materials.
  • More opportunities to directly communicate with faculty.
  • Constructive interaction with other students.
  • Greater flexibility and convenience in managing your time. (Courses are not self-paced, however; timelines for course work are provided.)
  • An environment to participate at a time and place best suited to your needs.
  • Additional time to reflect before responding to discussions and other activities.
  • An environment where the independent learner flourishes.

Students will have 24-hour access to most course resources, activities, and materials. The few synchronous activities (Zoom sessions, student presentations) will be scheduled in the Pacific time zone.

Full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program: For students who are not employed full-time:

  • Completion of the BDM program in 2 years
  • Completion of a minimum of ten (10) 3-credit courses per year (based on admission with 60 credits):
    • Typically: 4 courses in the Fall trimester, 3 courses in the Winter trimester, 3 courses in the Spring trimester.
  • The courses for the 2+2 BDM program are 12-week courses, with an anticipated time commitment of 8-9 hours per week per course, including approximately 4 hours on the required readings and 4 hours on either a discussion exercise or assignment. Expect to be enrolled in 3-4 courses per trimester.

Part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program: For students who are employed full-time:

  • Completion of the BDM program in 4 years3
  • Completion of a minimum of five (5) 3-credit courses per year (based on admission with 60 credits):
    • Typically: 2 courses in the Fall trimester, 1-2 courses in the Winter trimester, 1-2 courses in the Spring trimester.
  • The courses for the 2+2 BDM program are 12-week courses, with an anticipated time commitment of 8-9 hours per week per course, including approximately 4 hours on the required readings and 4 hours on either a discussion exercise or assignment. Expect to be enrolled in 1-2 courses per trimester.

 

2+2 BDM Program
Full-Time study Part-Time study
Time to completion of program 2 years 4 years3
Minimum number of courses per year 10 5
Duration of each course 12 weeks 12 weeks
Number of courses taken at one time 3 or 4, depending on trimester 1 or 2, depending on trimester
Time commitment per week per course 8 hours 8 hours

 

3The WDA Scholarship can only be applied to the first 3 years of part-time study. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses for the final 1 year of their program.

All expressions of interest and applications must be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at PCU-WHS (see contact information below).

DEADLINE: June 30, 2024

To apply, submit a WDA Grant Scholarship application package which includes:

  • Completed WDA Grant Scholarship 2024 Application Form
  • An application fee of $100
  • Reflective essay
  • Official transcripts issued from previous post-secondary institutions
  • Letters of Attestation (2) for previous work experience

The WDA Scholarship can only be applied to the first 3 years of the 4-year part-time program. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses of the final 1 year of the part-time program.

Applications packages must be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at PCU-WHS, and can be sent by email, Canada Post, or courier to:

WDA Grant Scholarship
Office of the Registrar
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences
4755 Cherry Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 0A7
education@pcu-whs.ca

Application packages must be received in their entirety no later than June 30, 2024.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-qualified basis.

Deadline extended to June 30: 
For applications received after May 30 and by June 30 2024:
  • Applications will be reviewed as they come in; you should expect to be notified of the outcome of your application by July 31 at the latest.
For applications received by May 30, 2024:
  • Successful applicants will be notified by June 30, 2024.
  • Successful applicants must notify PCU-WHS that they have accepted the Scholarship by July 12, 2024. If the Scholarship is declined, it will be awarded to another qualified applicant. Applicants who fail to respond to an offer of scholarship by the specified deadline will be considered to have declined the scholarship.

The WDA Grant Scholarship is designed to:

  • Significantly increase availability of Disability Management Professionals for BC employers.
  • Build enhanced recognition of the importance of effective Return to Work programs and the priority of maintaining employment for disabled workers.
  • Reduce the unacceptable poverty rate of people with disabilities.
  • Improve socio-economic outcomes for disabled workers, employers, and society at large through greater professionalization of those working in the Return to Work / Disability Management field.
  • Approximately 80 percent of disabling conditions occur during an individual’s working life.
  • Disability benefit recipients have less than a one percent chance of exiting the social security benefit system to enter into employment.
  • This results in dependency and poverty for individuals with disabilities, unsustainable social protection costs, and increasing numbers of disability benefit recipients.
  • About 25 percent of all Canadians living in poverty today ─ an estimated 1.4 million individuals ─ are people with disabilities.
  • Effective Disability Management programs can make a crucial contribution to reducing poverty in Canada by promoting workplace health, preventing disabilities, and avoiding loss of employment due to a disabling condition.

Disability Management interventions are designed to:

  • Reduce the likelihood that workers will acquire an impairment that could place their jobs at risk.
  • Engage with workers with disabilities, before they have lost their attachment to their employer, to enhance the likelihood they will retain and return to their jobs.
  • Reduce the number of workers exiting the active labour market and entering into the disability benefits system.

Early intervention is at the core of an effective Disability Management approach.

A key success factor in effective Disability Management programs is a consensus-based process based on collaboration between management and worker representatives, often enshrined in a collective agreement, and overseen by a joint management-labour committee.

Disability Management Professionals work internally within their own organizations or externally as providers to:

  • Develop positive workplace health and job retention policies.
  • Promote a positive and proactive workplace health and return to work organizational culture.
  • Promote and protect the health and productivity of the workforce.
  • Support workers with health conditions to remain at work.
  • Assist workers absent on health grounds to safely return to the workplace.

Disability Management Professionals work collaboratively with management, unions or employee organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, health care providers, and others.

 

Disability Management Professionals work as human resource professionals, workplace health specialists, case managers, return to work coordinators, or in a variety of related areas.

Prospective places of employment for Disability Management Professionals include:

  • Industrial work sites
  • Corporate offices
  • Insurance companies
  • Service providers
  • Human resources departments
  • Workers’ compensation organizations

There is an opportunity for experienced professionals to establish their own businesses offering disability management contract services to local employers.

  • Graduates of the BDM Program may go on to further studies and are recognized under the eligibility qualifications to write the professional certification examinations for the designations of:
    • Certified Disability Management Professional – CDMP
    • Certified Return to Work Coordinator – CRTWC

once they have met all of the following eligibility criteria:

    • Successful completion of the Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) degree
    • Completed a minimum of 1 year performing the roles and responsibilities (during the last 5 years) with at least 50% or more of the time in the delivery of DM services, supervised by a qualified DM supervisor or management representative responsible for DM.
  • The BDM is accepted by the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University as a qualifying program for consideration of acceptance to its:
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Management
  • Master of Health Administration

In a survey by the Canadian HR Reporter, it was found that 90 percent of business leaders say the value of professional designations is increasing.

 

For information regarding the WDA Grant Scholarship that is not addressed in the FAQs, please contact:

Student Services
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences
4755 Cherry Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC
Canada  V9Y 0A7
Phone: 778-421-0824, ext. 209
Email: education@pcu-whs.ca

This Scholarship is designed to significantly increase the availability of disability management professionals and practitioners for British Columbia employers across all public and private sector organizations and be a major long-term strategic and sustainable workplace approach to “Building a Culture of Accommodation”. This strategy mirrors the successful outcomes seen in other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world where greater professionalization in the Return to Work and Disability Management field is significantly improving socio-economic outcomes for disabled workers, employers, and society at large.


 Preferred domains of previous study include human resources, occupational health and safety, healthcare, business, and social work.

 

New Certificate Program Now Available: Disability Management from a HR Perspective


Many of the traditional HR functions involve aspects of disability management. HR practitioners may be directly or indirectly involved in return to work planning. This eight-course certificate program is designed for HR practitioners with disability management responsibilities and focuses on knowledge and skills that they use when workers incur disabilities. For further details, please click on the following link to the PCU-WHS website: DM from a HR Perspective

 

Join the Global Conversation on Disability Management!

Theme: Disability Management in our Post Pandemic World

About the Conference:  The goal of the IFDM conference is to build knowledge for the Disability Management professions in the CDMP and CRTWC Global community.

Date:  September 15-17, 2024, Location: Vancouver

Call for Abstracts: We invite researchers, scholars, policy and program practitioners and enthusiasts to submit abstracts for presentation at the IFDM 24 Conference. The conference aims to bring together professionals from diverse fields to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration.

Submission themes:The four themes around which workshops and plenary sessions will be developed are:

  1. Legislation and Policy
  2. Workplace well-being and disability management
  3. Evolution of the mental health landscape
  4. Innovative and inclusive disability management approaches

Details of the themes can be found here submission themes

Submission Guidelines:

  • Abstracts should be submitted by emailing info@ifdm2024.ca with tile “abstract Submission”.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Each submission include a title, list of authors, name of presenter(s) and contact information.
  • Clearly state the objective, methodology, results, and conclusions of the research.
  • Abstracts should not contain references, tables, or figures.
  • Abstracts need to be identified if suitable as an oral presentation for a plenary or workshop or for a poster exhibition.

Key Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline:  February 15, 2024
  • Notification of Acceptance: March 15, 2024

How to Submit:

Benefits of Participation:

  • Opportunity to present your research to a diverse audience.
  • Networking with professionals and experts in the field of Disability Management

Registration Information:

Details on conference registration, including fees and payment instructions, will be posted to the Conference Website early in the new year.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities:

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the conference? Email info@ifdm2024.ca for details.

 

Congratulations to the 2023 Graduates of the BDM and ACRTW


Five graduates, who are located in the BC lower mainland area, who were part of the 2023 graduating classes attended in person, while graduates in Ontario and Alberta attended virtually, in the hybrid Convocation Ceremony that took place in Vancouver on November 28, 2023.

The Hon. Wayne G. Wouters, PC, OC, Chancellor of PCU-WHS, addressed the graduates identifying the evolving field of Disability Management and the need and importance of this field of practice. The Keynote speaker for the event was the Hon. Harry Bains, BC’s Minister of Labour, with additional speakers and congratulatory messages from: Josie Osborne, MLA Mid Island-Pacific Rim; Gord Johns, MP, Courtenay-Alberni; Dr. Tyler Amell, Registrar, Dr. Susan Patrick, Senior Academic Lead, and Dr. Kara Arnold, Chief Academic Officer of PCU-WHS; Shanna Ramm, the first graduate of the BDM program in 2020; and the founding co-chairs of NIDMAR, Peter Lawrie and Brian Payne, who identified the goals of return to work in the “early days” and challenged the new graduates to keep moving the field of practice forward. President of PCU-WHS, Wolfgang Zimmermann, was the MC for the event. Sarah Cosco, the Valedictorian, provided an emotional and inspiring perspective to having completed the program and the work they are all now involved in.

To view the recording of the Convocation Ceremony, please click on the following link:
https://youtu.be/zlErW2301MY?si=LgoyT1Ng9uqCFJbk

To view the Valedictorian address, please click on the following link:
Sarah Cosco’s address

 

National Day of Mourning

As April 28 approaches, workplaces across the nation prepare to observe the National Day of Mourning, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of workers who have tragically lost their lives, sustained injuries, or fallen ill due to workplace hazards.

Year after year, Canada witnesses far too many workplace accidents, each one a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all aspects of our work environments. According to the latest data from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), in 2022 alone, there were 993 reported workplace fatalities, with 33 of those being young workers aged 15-24. Additionally, there were 348,747 accepted claims for lost time due to work-related injuries or diseases. These numbers underscore the urgent need for collective action to prevent further tragedies.

CCOHS urges all workplaces to take this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every worker. By fostering a culture of safety and vigilance, we can strive towards the goal of zero workplace incidents.

More information about the National Day of Mourning including resources to help spread awareness in the workplace is available on the CCOHS website: https://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning

BC Employers – New Course Available DMCS 450 – Employer Return to Work Obligations Under Bill 41 Changes to the BC Workers Compensation Act

The Government of British Columbia has recently enacted amendments to the workers’ compensation legislation aimed at providing greater clarity and reinforcement of the obligations placed upon organizations in facilitating return to work for employees who have sustained mental or physical injuries or illnesses resulting from workplace activities. The Workers Compensation Amendment Act (No. 2), which was ratified in November 2022, is slated to come into effect on January 1, 2024. This legislation introduces two new obligations for both workers and employers: the duty to collaborate and the duty to sustain the employment of an injured worker.

For further details, please click on the following link to download details regarding the course:DMCS-450-BC-Employer-RTW-Obligations-Under-Bill-41-3-1

Or, please go to the following webpage: DMCS 450

2023 Convocation Ceremony

Images taken by Trevor Jensen, Staggering Media.

NIDMAR News Release: Optimizing Return to Work through Successful Early Intervention

Following the recent BC Government’s New Release from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction entitled “People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work”, NIDMAR has issued a News Release providing additional details with regard to this latest initiative “Reducing Poverty through Early Intervention and Occupational Rehabilitation Initiative.”

Please click on the following link to download the NIDMAR News Release: Optimizing Return to Work through Successful Early Intervention

CDMP – The Gold Standard for Disability Management Professionals


Completion of education through PCU-WHS is a gateway to becoming eligible to obtain the CDMP professional designation – the internationally accepted Gold Standard for those working in the field of Disability Management and Return to Work. This short 10-minute video offers a snapshot of the value proposition associated with obtaining the coveted CDMP designation. Link to video.

 

National AccessAbility Week May 28 – June 3, 2023

From accommodating our students to educating tomorrow‘s leaders in disability management, we’re at the forefront of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities. The Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences supports students through its online learning. Education includes reducing barriers and increasing inclusiveness for those with disabilities as well as effectively accommodating individuals for continued employment. Learn more about PCU-WHS programs and services by visiting our webpages for:
Academic programs: academic/programs
Professional and Continuing Education programs: continuing-education/programs
Or contact us at: info@pcu-whs.ca

National Day of Mourning


On April 28, known as the Day of Mourning, we honor people who have passed away, been sick or injured at work, or endured a tragedy at work. In Canada, 1,081 workplace fatalities were recorded by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) in 2021. Among these deaths, 18 were young workers aged between 15 to 24. In addition, 277,217 claims for lost time due to work-related injuries or illnesses were accepted by the AWCBC, including 34,548 claims from workers aged 15-24. However, these figures do not account for all cases, and it is expected that the actual number of affected workers is higher.

Scholarship Opportunities for BC Residents

Application Deadline: June 15, 2023.

The Scholarship opportunity to enroll in the Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) degree program is offered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS). This is a critical gateway to a highly desirable and rewarding professional career opportunity in the rapidly expanding field of Return to Work and Disability Management not only in BC, but across Canada and internationally. Please see the website at: https://www.pcu-whs.ca/programs/bdm/

Applicants for the Scholarship in the BDM program must be BC residents who have completed a 2-year diploma or other relevant educational prerequisites, which provide 60 credits (or equivalent) in a range of disciplines but preferably human resources, business, occupational health and safety, nursing or social work from a recognized post-secondary educational institution. A combination of professional experience and career education may also be considered under the Flexible Admission policy on a case-by-case basis. Applicants under Flexible Admission should have a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a related field.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-qualified basis.

This limited Scholarship opportunity provides the following options:

  • students can complete the BDM program in a two-year time frame as a full-time student (Scholarship applied to both years),

or

  • participants can complete the BDM program in a four-year part-time format (Scholarship applied to first 2 years only)

commencing with the Fall trimester of 2023.

This Scholarship is designed to significantly increase the availability of disability management professionals and practitioners for British Columbia employers across all public and private sector organizations and be a major long-term strategic and sustainable workplace approach to “Building a Culture of Accommodation”. This strategy mirrors the successful outcomes seen in other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world where greater professionalization in the Return to Work and Disability Management field is significantly improving socio-economic outcomes for disabled workers, employers and society at large.

Individuals having completed the BDM will be encouraged to write the professional certification examinations for the designations of Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) and Certified Return to Work Coordinators (CRTWC).

To download the WDA Scholarship Information Booklet, please click on the following link: WDA Information Booklet 2023

To download an Application Form in order to apply for a Scholarship, please click the following link: WDA-Grant-Scholarship-Application-Form 2023

  • The Scholarship program is made possible by funding to the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
  • Candidates may apply for a Scholarship towards either full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program at Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS).
  • Each successful candidate will be entitled to $6,500 annually for each of two years of full-time study, or $3,250 annually for the first 3 years only of four years of part-time study, applied towards tuition fees.
  • Scholarship funds will cover most (but NOT all) of the annual course tuition per year, and can only be applied to tuition for the specialized courses required to complete the 2+2 BDM program.
  • Candidates must:
    • have completed at least 60 transferable academic credits from a recognized post-secondary institution (or equivalent; more information below).

OR

  • qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3 (i.e., 2+2 BDM program) by Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) / Flexible Admission.
  • The Scholarship program duration is 2 years for full-time study, or the first 3 years only of part-time study, in the 2+2 BDM program. Recipients for full-time study are expected to graduate within this 2-year time frame; those for part-time study will be responsible for the full tuition for the final year of the program, and are expected to graduate at the completion of the 4th
  • The percentage to which the annual Scholarship will cover actual tuition costs will be contingent on the number of transfer credits with which prospective students enter the degree program, and any additional courses that may be required.

Eligible individuals may apply for a Scholarship for either full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor in Disability Management (BDM) program.

The WDA Grant Scholarship will provide

  • $6,500 annually for each of 2 years of full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, to cover most of the course tuition for the specialized courses required to complete the BDM degree. Applicants will be responsible for covering the balance of the tuition: approximately $1,120 per academic year for a student entering with 60 credits and with suitable research coursework. Textbooks, which are required by several courses, are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • $3,250 annually for the first 3 years only of part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, to cover most of the course tuition for the first 3 years of specialized courses required to complete the BDM degree. Applicants will be responsible for covering the balance of the tuition for the first 3 years: approximately $560 per academic year for a student entering with 60 credits and with suitable research coursework. Textbooks, which are required by several courses, are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses for completion of the program (the final 1 year of part-time study).

The WDA Grant Scholarship is open to candidates with landed immigrant or Canadian citizenship status who are permanent residents of British Columbia.

Successful candidates must:

  • Meet the admission criteria of PCU-WHS.

In addition, successful candidates must qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3 of the BDM program (i.e., the 2+2 program). Your Scholarship would then apply to your 2+2 program (2 years for full-time study or the first 3 years only for full-time study). To qualify for Admission Directly into Year 3, applicants must:

  • Have graduated with an associate degree, 2-year diploma, or other relevant educational prerequisite which provides 60 transferable academic credits (or equivalent) in a range of disciplines (preferred domains listed below).
    • Current students must be attending a BC post-secondary institution.
    • Students converting from an existing career path may have graduated from any university or college.
    • Candidates with an average post-secondary GPA of 3.0 or higher will be preferred.

OR

  • Be eligible for Admission Directly into Year 3 (i.e., the 2+2 program) on the basis of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). A combination of professional experience and career education will be assessed under Flexible Admission policy on a case-by-case basis. Applicants under Flexible Admission should have a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a related field.

Preferred domains of previous study include:

  • Human Resources
  • Occupational Health Safety
  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Social Work
  • An application fee of $100 is required.
  • The WDA Grant Scholarship will cover most of the tuition required to complete the 2+2 BDM program in 2 years of full-time study, or most of the tuition of the first 3 years only to complete the 2+2 BDM program in 4 years of part-time study. Students are responsible for covering the balance of tuition: approximately $1,120 per academic year for full-time study; or approximately $560 per academic year for the first 3 years of part-time study, and approximately $3,810 for the final 1 year of part-time study (as of December 2021).
  • The costs of elective or additional courses, if required, are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • There will be other incidental costs, including costs of textbooks and other materials, which are not covered by the Scholarship.
  • The cost of a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) review for Flexible Admission ($400) is not covered by the Scholarship.
  • The cost of a PLAR request for any specialized BDM course is not covered by the Scholarship.
  • Fees for any course not completed within the Scholarship period will be the responsibility of the student.
  • The percentage of actual tuition costs that the annual Scholarship will cover will be contingent on the number of transfer credits with which prospective students enter the degree program.
  • Students who do not have suitable research coursework or experience may be required to take a 300-level research course prior to entering their final year of the program. This course (WHDM 306) is not covered by the Scholarship.

The WDA Grant Scholarship will apply to:

  • 2 years of full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, commencing with the Fall 2024 trimester and terminating with the Spring 2026 trimester.

OR

  • the first 3 years only of part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program, commencing with the Fall 2024 trimester and terminating with the Spring 2027 trimester. You can anticipate completion of the part-time program 1 year later (Spring 2028 trimester) without Scholarship funding.
  • Successful candidates are required to attend the PCU-WHS online 2+2 BDM program beginning in September 2024.
  • You are also required to attend an online orientation to the program in advance of the first academic term.
  • You must maintain an academic standing of 3.0 (B) or higher each trimester throughout your studies. If you fail to achieve this, you will be given the following trimester to restore your standing.
  • You must be in a position to register in full- or part-time study in the 2+2 Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) program beginning in September 2024, and to complete the degree within a 2-year period for full-time study or 4-year period for part-time study.
  • To qualify for admission to the full-time WDA Grant Scholarship program, you must not be working full-time.

PCU-WHS is located in Port Alberni, British Columbia, but all BDM courses are offered exclusively online. Residents of British Columbia can study from their city or town of residence.

All courses at PCU-WHS are offered online by highly qualified faculty with a depth of multidisciplinary experience.

Students require a computer, an Internet connection (high-speed internet is recommended), and internet browser software to participate in the courses. Students should have a computer with a sound card and speakers to listen to course videos and audio, plus a microphone to participate in synchronous sessions. All courses require a word processing application such as Microsoft Word. Individual courses may have additional software requirements. Technical assistance is available for all courses.

The online platform provides you with:

  • 24-hour access to course resources and materials.
  • More opportunities to directly communicate with faculty.
  • Constructive interaction with other students.
  • Greater flexibility and convenience in managing your time. (Courses are not self-paced, however; timelines for course work are provided.)
  • An environment to participate at a time and place best suited to your needs.
  • Additional time to reflect before responding to discussions and other activities.
  • An environment where the independent learner flourishes.

Students will have 24-hour access to most course resources, activities, and materials. The few synchronous activities (Zoom sessions, student presentations) will be scheduled in the Pacific time zone.

Full-time study in the 2+2 BDM program: For students who are not employed full-time:

  • Completion of the BDM program in 2 years
  • Completion of a minimum of ten (10) 3-credit courses per year (based on admission with 60 credits):
    • Typically: 4 courses in the Fall trimester, 3 courses in the Winter trimester, 3 courses in the Spring trimester.
  • The courses for the 2+2 BDM program are 12-week courses, with an anticipated time commitment of 8-9 hours per week per course, including approximately 4 hours on the required readings and 4 hours on either a discussion exercise or assignment. Expect to be enrolled in 3-4 courses per trimester.

Part-time study in the 2+2 BDM program: For students who are employed full-time:

  • Completion of the BDM program in 4 years3
  • Completion of a minimum of five (5) 3-credit courses per year (based on admission with 60 credits):
    • Typically: 2 courses in the Fall trimester, 1-2 courses in the Winter trimester, 1-2 courses in the Spring trimester.
  • The courses for the 2+2 BDM program are 12-week courses, with an anticipated time commitment of 8-9 hours per week per course, including approximately 4 hours on the required readings and 4 hours on either a discussion exercise or assignment. Expect to be enrolled in 1-2 courses per trimester.

 

2+2 BDM Program
Full-Time study Part-Time study
Time to completion of program 2 years 4 years3
Minimum number of courses per year 10 5
Duration of each course 12 weeks 12 weeks
Number of courses taken at one time 3 or 4, depending on trimester 1 or 2, depending on trimester
Time commitment per week per course 8 hours 8 hours

 

3The WDA Scholarship can only be applied to the first 3 years of part-time study. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses for the final 1 year of their program.

All expressions of interest and applications must be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at PCU-WHS (see contact information below).

DEADLINE: June 30, 2024

To apply, submit a WDA Grant Scholarship application package which includes:

  • Completed WDA Grant Scholarship 2024 Application Form
  • An application fee of $100
  • Reflective essay
  • Official transcripts issued from previous post-secondary institutions
  • Letters of Attestation (2) for previous work experience

The WDA Scholarship can only be applied to the first 3 years of the 4-year part-time program. Applicants will be responsible for covering the full tuition and all other expenses of the final 1 year of the part-time program.

Applications packages must be addressed to the Office of the Registrar at PCU-WHS, and can be sent by email, Canada Post, or courier to:

WDA Grant Scholarship
Office of the Registrar
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences
4755 Cherry Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 0A7
education@pcu-whs.ca

Application packages must be received in their entirety no later than June 30, 2024.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-qualified basis.

Deadline extended to June 30: 
For applications received after May 30 and by June 30 2024:
  • Applications will be reviewed as they come in; you should expect to be notified of the outcome of your application by July 31 at the latest.
For applications received by May 30, 2024:
  • Successful applicants will be notified by June 30, 2024.
  • Successful applicants must notify PCU-WHS that they have accepted the Scholarship by July 12, 2024. If the Scholarship is declined, it will be awarded to another qualified applicant. Applicants who fail to respond to an offer of scholarship by the specified deadline will be considered to have declined the scholarship.

The WDA Grant Scholarship is designed to:

  • Significantly increase availability of Disability Management Professionals for BC employers.
  • Build enhanced recognition of the importance of effective Return to Work programs and the priority of maintaining employment for disabled workers.
  • Reduce the unacceptable poverty rate of people with disabilities.
  • Improve socio-economic outcomes for disabled workers, employers, and society at large through greater professionalization of those working in the Return to Work / Disability Management field.
  • Approximately 80 percent of disabling conditions occur during an individual’s working life.
  • Disability benefit recipients have less than a one percent chance of exiting the social security benefit system to enter into employment.
  • This results in dependency and poverty for individuals with disabilities, unsustainable social protection costs, and increasing numbers of disability benefit recipients.
  • About 25 percent of all Canadians living in poverty today ─ an estimated 1.4 million individuals ─ are people with disabilities.
  • Effective Disability Management programs can make a crucial contribution to reducing poverty in Canada by promoting workplace health, preventing disabilities, and avoiding loss of employment due to a disabling condition.

Disability Management interventions are designed to:

  • Reduce the likelihood that workers will acquire an impairment that could place their jobs at risk.
  • Engage with workers with disabilities, before they have lost their attachment to their employer, to enhance the likelihood they will retain and return to their jobs.
  • Reduce the number of workers exiting the active labour market and entering into the disability benefits system.

Early intervention is at the core of an effective Disability Management approach.

A key success factor in effective Disability Management programs is a consensus-based process based on collaboration between management and worker representatives, often enshrined in a collective agreement, and overseen by a joint management-labour committee.

Disability Management Professionals work internally within their own organizations or externally as providers to:

  • Develop positive workplace health and job retention policies.
  • Promote a positive and proactive workplace health and return to work organizational culture.
  • Promote and protect the health and productivity of the workforce.
  • Support workers with health conditions to remain at work.
  • Assist workers absent on health grounds to safely return to the workplace.

Disability Management Professionals work collaboratively with management, unions or employee organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, health care providers, and others.

 

Disability Management Professionals work as human resource professionals, workplace health specialists, case managers, return to work coordinators, or in a variety of related areas.

Prospective places of employment for Disability Management Professionals include:

  • Industrial work sites
  • Corporate offices
  • Insurance companies
  • Service providers
  • Human resources departments
  • Workers’ compensation organizations

There is an opportunity for experienced professionals to establish their own businesses offering disability management contract services to local employers.

  • Graduates of the BDM Program may go on to further studies and are recognized under the eligibility qualifications to write the professional certification examinations for the designations of:
    • Certified Disability Management Professional – CDMP
    • Certified Return to Work Coordinator – CRTWC

once they have met all of the following eligibility criteria:

    • Successful completion of the Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) degree
    • Completed a minimum of 1 year performing the roles and responsibilities (during the last 5 years) with at least 50% or more of the time in the delivery of DM services, supervised by a qualified DM supervisor or management representative responsible for DM.
  • The BDM is accepted by the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University as a qualifying program for consideration of acceptance to its:
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Management
  • Master of Health Administration

In a survey by the Canadian HR Reporter, it was found that 90 percent of business leaders say the value of professional designations is increasing.

 

For information regarding the WDA Grant Scholarship that is not addressed in the FAQs, please contact:

Abdifatah Abdi, MEd
Manager of Admissions and Student Services
Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences
4755 Cherry Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC
Canada  V9Y 0A7
Phone: 778-421-0824, ext. 209
Email: education@pcu-whs.ca

 

Due to high number of inquiries, there may be delays in receiving a response. We prioritize those who have submitted an application with associated application fees. 

Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Annual observance of this day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for the 2022 global observance is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”, and covers three topics:
– Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment
– Innovation for disability inclusive developing in reducing inequality
– Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case