Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect to the review committee, the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions noted that under sections 24 and 64 of the Workers' Compensation Act, the board is allowed to appoint a review committee to form the first stage of appeals related to claims or assessments. A standing review committee is appointed in order to provide consistency and develop expertise in the application of the act and policy.
The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions expressed some concern over the fact that appointments to this standing review committee are made by the board itself. The temptation to appoint outgoing board members in appreciation for their past service or to structure the review committee membership to achieve a certain type of outcome may never be realized, but could create an appearance of bias in the selection process.
Motion To Accept Recommendation 15, Carried
Therefore, the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions recommends, and I move that this committee recommends, that the Minister review existing provisions in the Workers' Compensation Act with respect to board appointment of the review committee membership; and further, that the Minister include in the legislative action paper a consideration of advantages inherent in a ministerially appointed review committee.