Similarly, there are no time frames imposed on injured workers, dependents or employers in which to file an appeal. The delays in the appeals tribunal hearing cases is regrettable. However, they do not violate the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act, the rules of the court, or the charter. Nevertheless, the board and the appeals tribunal are concerned about the length of time taken to hear appeals. In an effort to streamline the process, a proposal from the appeals tribunal chairman, Mr. Jim Bourque, is before the board of directors at their meeting this week.

This proposal would allow the appeals tribunal to sit full time for a six month period, in an effort to resolve the backlog of appeals. Thank you.

---Applause