Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee on legislation abbreviated its usual process for the review of Bill 30, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act. This was in response to a recommendation made by the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions in Committee Report 11-12(2) and supported by a motion of this House on June 18, 1992.
The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions recommendation was that the Workers' Compensation Act should be amended prior to the conclusion of this June sifting in order to increase the year's maximum insurable remuneration. The reasons for this recommendation are well laid out, Mr. Chairman, in the interim report brought forward by my honourable colleague from Inuvik and the Members of his standing committee. It was noted by the standing committee on legislation that Mr. Koe's committee held extensive public hearings on this matter during May 11 13 inclusive. It was felt that this review process provided an opportunity for public input on the matter of the years maximum insurable remuneration.
Members of the standing committee on legislation reviewed this bill on the morning of June 24, 1992. The committee was grateful to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board and his officials for attending to present the bill and responding to Members' questions and comments. The standing committee on legislation also appreciated the attendance of Mr. Brian Roberts, chairperson of the Workers' Compensation Board, who assisted in outlining the more technical aspects of the workers' compensation system and the implications which this bill will carry for workers injured in the Northwest Territories.
The standing committee on legislation recognizes the urgency of this bill and is supportive of the efforts made by the Minister, the Workers' Compensation Board and the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions to proceed with the speedy passage of this amendment The standing committee on legislation realized that in passing Bill 30, this House would be making at least an initial stop toward meeting the grievous needs of injured workers in the Northwest Territories.
If I may, Mr. Chairman, I think it would be appropriate to underscore the manner in which all parties to the passage of this bill have worked together quickly and efficiently to ensure that these necessary changes are made. I hope that this point is noted by those who might be inclined to criticize this House or our northern system of consensus government.
Mr. Chairman, at its meeting on June 24, the standing committee on legislation carried a motion that Bill 30 should be reported to the House as ready for committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.