Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have our report of the Standing Committee on Finance on the Workers' Compensation Board.
The committee recognizes that the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) must fairly compensate injured workers. However, we must recognize that with higher rates, for example, construction and mining, companies may experience great difficulty in paying these amounts.
The committee is also concerned about the board's office accommodations which appear excessive, as do the payments to board members. We remind the Minister that the WCB is paying a significant premium of over $1 million for the privilege and right to buy the office property which it currently occupies. The committee urges the WCB to review all areas and recognize that there is not a bottomless well of money out there.
It is time for the WCB to come down to earth and face current realities.
Mr. Chairman, there are a number of motions which I have here. I will begin with the first motion.