Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present to the Assembly the Workers' Compensation Board's budget for 1993.
Numerous concerns were raised by Members of the Assembly during the last session, as well as by the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions when it reported in June, 1992.
I have taken steps to address the majority of these concerns, and I would like to outline them for you.
-A legislative review has been completed and tabled with this Assembly. The chief commissioner, Garnet Garven, reported to me on February 15 after meeting with representatives of workers, employers and others interested in improving and updating the Workers' Compensation Act. I have also undertaken to present this Assembly with a legislative action paper during this sitting.
-I have appointed a chairman and three directors. These appointments reflect my view that the board must be sensitive and open to the needs of all its clients.
-A new general manager was appointed on December 29, 1992. His mandate is to work with the board of directors to make the Workers' Compensation Board more efficient and accessible. Performance and service standards will be established for all divisions, and priority will be given to achieving optimum client service levels. Great emphasis is being put on affirmative action, and a comprehensive plan will be in place by year end.
-The groundwork has been laid for a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Renewable Resources and the board to provide workers' compensation coverage for hunters, trappers and fishermen.
-Given the concern about the increased assessment rates for 1993, the board recently announced significant improvements to its instalment payment policy. Employers can now pay four equal instalments over the course of a year.
-Finally, Mr. Chairman, the board is considering the introduction of a merit surcharge program. If such a program is introduced, employers with a superior accident record would receive a rebate on their assessment. Conversely, employers with poor accident records would be forced to pay a premium assessment.
The board's operating and maintenance budget for 1993-94 reflects zero growth. Expenditures for compensation, medical aid, pensions and rehabilitation are dictated by policy and legislation; therefore, a growth of 3.9 per cent is projected.
Mr. Chairman, I am anxious to work with this Assembly to introduce the changes in legislation and policy that will restore our Workers' Compensation Board to a leadership position. Thank you.
---Applause