Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Today I would like to say a few things about the Workers' Compensation Board. For a long time many of the ordinary Members have been concerned about the Workers' Compensation Board. We have known it was too closely tied to Yellowknife and that members of the board do not understand what it is like to be a worker in a small community. We are concerned about the policies that have been developed. Sometimes it seems like those policies have lost sight of the fact that injured workers are human beings and they have feelings and fears.
We have also been concerned about the way money was spent on the administration of the Workers' Compensation Board. These concerns are outlined in the report of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions. I think all Members of the House are aware that some major changes have been made. What I want to say today is John Todd is doing a good job of addressing these problems. I agree with the decisions he made about the people who should be appointed to the Workers' Compensation Board. I also agree with his statement that he will put a stop to the run away administrative costs of the board. (Translation ends)
... challenges facing him. These are difficult financial times and the workers' compensation system needs much work. I look forward to seeing the report of this special advisor and I would urge him, as I am sure my honourable colleague for Deh Cho will also do, to finalize a workable plan for providing compensation to injured harvesters and traditional artists and carvers.
I am confident the Minister will be able to move ahead to deal with these and other issues. He has certainly gained my support of the approach he has taken so far. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.