Mr. Speaker, an increase in the W.C.B. budget and staff is forecast for the coming year but I would, respectfully, disagree with the Member's assertion that there is an empire. In fact, Mr. Speaker, over the last five or six years, the case load of the W.C.B. has grown substantially and the number of staff has remained static. It is not a question of the board's staff having grown uncontrollably in the past number of years.

To answer the Member's question, Mr. Speaker, the Safety Enhancement Program is not an enforcement tool but it is designed to be a method of building a partnership between the worker, the employer and the W.C.B. If there are deficiencies in the safety program in a particular workplace, then the program of the W.C.B. is designed to help an employer improve his safety program through courses in safety and education. This year, so far, 48 employers have received that assistance and there is also a program in high schools to encourage young people to be aware of safety before they enter the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, the W.C.B. staff, and I must emphasize that they will be working in close harmony with the Department of Safety and Public Services, will help employers to make their workplaces more safe. That should lead to reduced accidents, which should lead to reduced claims costs, which should lead to reduced rates, we hope. Thank you.