In 1990 the Workers' Compensation Board contracted a private firm to develop the format for a strategic plan. Since then the strategic plan has been completed internally as a yearly planning and program evaluation exercise. The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions was given to understand that it has been the practice of the board to forward a copy of the annual strategic plan to the Minister.
Again the strategic planning process provides an excellent opportunity for the Minister and the Legislative Assembly to exercise an element of accountability over the directions the board wishes to take while still maintaining a critical arm's length relationship from the management of claims, assessments and other administrative responsibilities.
Motion To Accept Recommendation 11, Carried
Mr. Chairman, therefore I move that the standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions recommends that the Workers' Compensation Act be amended to include provisions for the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board to receive, approve and table the strategic plan of the Workers' Compensation Board on an annual basis; and further, that the legislative action paper outline legislation options for limiting the board's operational capacities until ministerial approval of the strategic plan has been obtained.