Dr. Robert Elgie, past Chair of the WCB Board of Directors, passed away on Wednesday, April 3. He was 84 years old.

Dr. Elgie served as Chair from 1992 to 1996, and provided governance oversight as the Workers’ Compensation Act fundamentally changed.

A neurosurgeon, politician and career public servant, Dr. Elgie is best known for his contributions in Ontario, where he served as an MPP and as Labour Minister.

He also made a substantial contribution to Nova Scotia. In addition to serving as WCB chair, he was the founding Director of Dal’s Health Law Institute from 1991 to 1996. Those who knew Dr. Elgie well speak of a consummate public servant, widely respected, who dedicated his life to making life better for others.

David Stuewe, a former CEO of the WCB and now a professor in Dalhousie’s Rowe School of Business and the School of Public Administration, worked closely with Dr. Elgie.

“At the WCB of Nova Scotia he worked hard to ensure that labour and management could, as required in legislation, independently govern. That governance model embarked the WCB on an important course that continues to benefit the province, its employers and workers,” says Dr. Stuewe.

“Most importantly he was a decent human being, who graciously shared his vast experience with all those who had the good fortune to interact with him. He truly was a great Canadian, friend and father who will be missed deeply by his family, friends and country.”

The WCB joins many Nova Scotians and many Canadians in honouring the life, and legacy, of a visionary leader, and a person who made things better.