The question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Carried.

---Carried

Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. We are dealing with the Workers' Compensation Board on page 08-16. Any general comments on the item? This is just the information item.

Agreed.

Agreed. Does this committee agree that this Workers' Compensation is concluded?

Agreed.

Mr. Koe.

Since we brought this high priced help here, taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with us, we should ask them one question. Can the Minister advise us what the status is of the numerous recommendations made by the

Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions, in our last report on the Workers' Compensation Board.

One of the recommendation was to create the workers' advisor position, or transfer it from a contract position to a full-time position, and I know there was a recruitment process under way. What is the status of the recruitment of the workers' advisor?

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and may I say that the board and myself are taking the extensive recommendations of the A.B.C. Committee seriously. As to the workers' advisor position, it was established as a permanent position as recommended by the committee from the ad hoc contractual arrangement that is now in place. It would require a legislative amendment to recognize that in the act, and that will come, but in the meantime, the position has been advertised. Arrangements have been made to house the position within the Department of Safety and Public Services, although I hasten to emphasize that it is independent, and the reporting relationship to the Minister responsible for the W.C.B. will not be affected by that physical arrangement. It is a matter of convenience, and providing support services and aspects such as improved security that are now not in place.

As to the selection of a permanent indeterminate workers' advisor, interviews are occurring this afternoon, I am told. So, we are close to making an appointment. Thank you.

Thank you. Workers' Compensation Board, this is an information item. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to make one comment, and it is the result of some concern that I might have with regard to rate increases, and I know there has not been any determination or decision at the moment, but I do ask the chairman, the board, and the Minister, to be cognizant about the consequences of major increases to the business community. I know that we may somehow embark on a decision that some of the rates that are being paid are not fair, or not as high as the provinces, but I still ask you to be cognizant of the high cost of doing business in the north, and what that might mean to the success, or even the existence, of a small business community in the Northwest Territories.

I have not heard any details about that particular decision, and I think it is a matter for you to consider. I have heard some, what you might say are rumours, and it just causes me concern that may happen.

So, I just want to put that on record, and you can maybe deal with that particular matter however you wish.

Thank you. Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Minister.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. As Members know, and as I think Mr. Dent pointed out, decisions like this are exclusive jurisdiction of the board to determine. I can tell the honourable Member that the board is very actively dealing with the 1993 rates question, and I am told they may soon have a decision made. I can only say to the Member that Mr. Roberts is here, certainly he and I are both hearing the concern, and are aware of the fact that we are in a recession in the north. It is a difficult time for businesses in this operating climate, and I trust that will be taken into account by the board when they determine the 1993 rates. I thank the Member for that advice.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Workers' Compensation Board. Information item. Agreed? Mr. Gargan.

Just one comment, Mr. Chairman, and that is regards to this spring, we did approve an increase so that people that are working in the higher salary brackets are given a fairly good premium, or remuneration. We have people that are injured while they are working. There is one person that is making about $7,000 a year on compensation. He, I guess, injured his back. He has a family of five, he has no other help, because he does have an income, so Social Services does not help him, and he does not have enough to go take another course.

I am just wondering whether or not they are going to be addressing that category of people, because I think the compensation is too low. They get by but they do not have enough to pursue another career.

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask Mr. Roberts to respond. Thank you.

Mr. Roberts, please proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I hope I understood the honourable Member's question clearly. The ceiling matters, which we referred to the yearly maximum insurable enumeration, is the maximum benefit on which people that are injured at work can be paid. All compensation is based on actual wage loss that occurs subject to this ceiling, so consequently, any worker in any industry, if their earnings are $10,000 a year, and they are injured, their compensation is based on that $10,000 a year. If it is $40,000 a year, it is based on the $40,000 a year. If it is $55,000 a year, it is based on the $47,500 because that is the ceiling and maximum benefit that could be payable. There should be a minimum compensation payable to all workers, possibly, that would address the problem being encountered. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roberts. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the response. I believe that at the time of the injury, the guy must have been in the job, for about four months, or something like that, six months he was in the job and he got hurt. It was based on what he was making at the time he got hurt, that he got compensation for. He made up to $7,000, or whatever it was that it was based on, not the whole year that he was earning. He started the job, he got hurt part way through the job, that is what I am saying.

I am just wondering whether the compensation is based on the actual money he earned at the time that he got hurt, or is it based on what he could have got, if he was to work that full year.

Thank you. Mr. Roberts.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The remuneration that is used on normal calculations would be the year preceding the accident. What we are obligated under the Act to do, is to use the period of time that more accurately reflects the persons situation at the time. Unfortunately, I am not aware of the individual case that the Member refers to, but we would certainly be prepared to look into that.