Mr. Chairman, if I may continue, then, with section eight, workers' advisor. The office of the workers' advisor on workers' compensation matters was established in November 1989, following recommendations made by the 1989 review committee. The 1990 annual report of the Workers' Compensation Board also indicates that the position was developed in response to "requests from the directors of the board, particularly those from organized labour. Presently the workers' advisor works on a part-time basis to provide information, advice and assistance to injured workers, their dependents or their representatives, regarding difficulties encountered with the processing of claims or appeals.
During the public hearings, the standing committee received very positive input about the role and performance of this office from several of the workers who provided submissions. From data presented to the standing committee, Members became aware that the advisor carries a heavy work load, and that her client base has grown every year since the position was established.
The standing committee was concerned that certain policies and procedures within the Workers' Compensation Board have made it difficult for the advisor to carry out all of her responsibilities. In her submission to the standing committee, the workers' advisor recommended that policy changes should be made to allow her to use a statutory declaration instead of letters of authorization, to consult directly with an adjudicator, and to improve the communication of board policy. It became apparent to the standing committee that many of these procedural difficulties arose from the fact that the office of the workers' advisor lacks the statutory authority to access board premises and files. So therefore we have a recommendation, Mr. Chairman, recommendation 16. Recognizing that the workers' advisor performs an important role in helping injured workers, that the work of the office is being impeded by an apparent lack of statutory authority, the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions moves the following recommendation:
Motion To Accept Recommendation 16, Carried
That the Workers' Compensation Act be amended to establish the office of the workers' advisor and grant authorities necessary to access the information and support required in the performance of the duties of the office; and further, that an administrative structure should be finalized in which the office of the workers' advisor is established to operate independently from the Workers' Compensation Board; and further, that the workers' advisor continue to report directly to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board; and further, that a yearly review of the office of the workers' advisor be undertaken by the Minister to focus on process barriers, outcome measures and forced growth requirements.