Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express some serious concerns over matters dealing with the Workers' Compensation Board. Honourable Members will recall that in June of this year, the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions tabled a comprehensive report on the review of the Workers' Compensation Board. The report included a total of 27 recommendations.
The key recommendations focused upon a legislative review process which would result in the legislative action paper to be completed by December 31, 1992. This would eventually lead to some very necessary and long overdue amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act. The standing committee was assured, during its public hearings, that both the Minister and the board were fully aware of the need to amend this outdated statute. The Minister stated clearly that he agreed with the process laid out in the interim and final reports of the standing committee and that he would be proceeding with the legislative review as quickly as possible. He also indicated that the Workers' Compensation Board has identified sufficient funding for the legislative review.
I have become increasingly concerned about the apparent lack of progress that the Minister has been making with respect to implementing this legislative review and the other recommendations including the standing committee's report. Let us not lose sight of the fact that the committee found that although the Workers' Compensation Board staff are hard working people, some definite problems exist with regard to the way Workers' Compensation services are being delivered in the Northwest Territories.
The situation with the W.C.B. has become even more critical with the absolutely shocking rate increases being forced upon employers next year, especially during a period of serious recession. There is also an investigation into the misappropriation of funds which appears to be stuck in the mud.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.