ST. JOHN`S, NL – xwave, an Aliant company (TSX: AIT), has been selected by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) as its information technology (IT) partner to help develop and deliver e-business applications and technical infrastructures, which will support a claims management system and web portal.

`These advancements will play an integral role in improving services to both employers and injured workers,` says Joe O`Neill, CEO of the Commission. `We want to deliver better customer service and enhance communication with our clients. To that end, the new claims management system and web services will help us better serve our clients. For injured workers, these projects will positively impact the way they receive their benefits, recover from their injuries, and return to work in a timely and effective manner. For employers, they will have a more timely and efficient way to manage their interactions with the Commission.`

The Commission has selected xwave to support implementation of programming changes resulting from an operational review completed last year. Changes include updating the Commission`s claims management model and implementing its web strategy in order to improve administration and management of injury claims. In addition, as part of that effort, the Commission has put in place an incentive program that encourages employers to follow good prevention and return-to-work practices. Known as PRIME (Prevention + Return to Work + Insurance Management for Employers and Employees), the program offers employers a 5% practice refund on their average annual assessments if they meet specified health and safety and return-to-work criteria.

xwave and the Commission will build an e-Community web portal over the next few years, culminating with over 75 services to fully implement these improvements. The first release of seven services will support and automate processes around employer account information and occupational health and safety committee minutes, as well as the creation of documents such as advice notices and certificates of clearance. Development has begun on release I, which will be implemented in two stages (beginning April 1, 2006).

`In addition to expanding xwave`s significant portfolio in claims-related system development, these initiatives enable us to contribute to an organization that plays an important role in the well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador,` said Paul Kent, Chief Operating Officer, xwave. `We welcome the opportunity to support the Commission`s improvements as well as build on the success of current implementations — a prevention audit solution and a Business Intelligence (BI) data-warehousing solution.`

In developing these solutions, xwave is working closely with a project team and various working groups comprising staff from the Commission`s Information Technology Services department and other departments. In this way, an effective knowledge-transfer will take place so that Commission staff can gain the full benefit of the system once it`s delivered.

xwave has extensive experience building and supporting solutions for workers` compensation boards. For the Workers` Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, the company has undertaken several related initiatives: it has created a business -intelligence (BI)-based data warehousing solution and a web-based case management system called ‘My Account;` these have stemmed from development of a broader Enterprise Client Contact Strategy aimed at optimizing interaction with the Board`s clients.

For the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of New Brunswick, xwave created a Tablet PC software application that allows health and safety workers to fill out and print inspection reports on-site. As well, for the Commission in Newfoundland and Labrador, the company is currently implementing a prevention audit solution and a BI data warehousing solution. The BI solution is designed to improve the Commission`s ability to analyze and act on information, in part through technology developed by Cognos, a leader in BI; xwave has been a certified Cognos Solutions Provider Partner since 1999 and operates one of Canada`s largest dedicated BI practices.

About xwave
xwave, an Aliant Company, is a full-service business-solutions provider that serves clients through three service lines: systems integration, software engineering, infrastructure services, and product fulfillment. These areas offer clients a broad delivery capability: xwave plans, designs, builds and operates IT solutions that span both corporate and operational systems and fulfill all infrastructure needs. With more than $340 million in revenues and 1,500 people, xwave is one of the largest IT-services companies in Canada, with locations in St. John`s, Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Ottawa, Toronto, New England, and Ireland. More information can be found at www.xwave.com.

For further information, contact:
Karen.Ewing@xwave.com
877-332-4605