The hostage taking in Edmonton is a chilling reminder of similar incidents at the WCB office in Calgary.
Sixteen years ago a man with a gun stormed into the Calgary Workers' Compensation Board Office and took hostages.
The man behind the incident was upset with his perceived grievances against the board.
He eventually collapsed after taking too many painkillers. Nobody was injured in the incident.
In 1991, Gregory Jack killed himself outside the Calgary office. He was distraught after his compensation payments were stopped.
And in September of 1992, a disgruntled client took a sledgehammer to the WCB building.
The above incidents have changed the way the WCB does business.
Following Jack's suicide, the ombudsmen issued a scathing report saying the WCB had to improve its people skills.
Nearly two decades later, the WCB says things are better. A spokesperson says clients now have four different avenues of appeal when their claims are denied. The organization says this has lead to less frustration and more cooperation with the public.
