Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, next week, I will table the 1993 annual report of the Workers' Compensation Board. This is the official record of the year ended last December 31st, and is being tabled to comply with the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act.
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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This turnaround allowed the board to freeze the 1994 rates.
Last year, I told this Assembly that the board had adopted a funding strategy to return it to a fully funded position within one year without increasing employer premiums. There was some concern that this might be accomplished at the expense of injured workers. Let me stress that this was not and is not the case.
Throughout 1993, the WCB worked to create a more efficient, less costly and more accessible operation. Many internal changes were made to streamline the flow of information and improve the level of customer service.
The board introduced or refined policies on affirmative action, official languages and northern incentives, all of which are important to this Legislature. A communications campaign was initiated to reach all stakeholders through a series of community visits, focus groups and speaking engagements. A quarterly newsletter called "Directions" has been very well-received.
On July 1, 1993, the board began using a newly developed NWT impairment rating schedule to ensure fairness in awards for permanent disabilities.
Rehabilitation and medical programs were managed more effectively. The focus of rehabilitation programs was shifted from academic studies to on-the-job retraining. New courses were developed to promote safety awareness. More than 1,000 participants took part in 10 safety courses offered by the WCB in nine communities.
These changes were all directed at improving and providing quality customer service to both claimants and employers.
Faced with mounting liabilities and a sluggish economy, some jurisdictions reduced the level of benefits paid to injured workers. I'm pleased to say that our WCB has made no such cuts, and none are planned.
Turning briefly to the annual report, Madam Speaker, the board has responded to the concerns of Members of this House by including more and better information. The report shows that during 1993, the board accepted 3,307 claims, down slightly from 1992. The claim rate per 100 workers was also lower. The board served a total of 3,150 employers, which paid assessments totalling $22.5 million.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the board's careful attention to the balance between workers' and employers' needs has resulted in a fully funded position without cutting benefits.
The board's contingency reserve, which was completely depleted in 1992, has been re-established as two new reserves to ensure that stakeholders understand what they are intended to do. The catastrophic reserve, at $3.3 million, is to provide funds for disasters and unforeseen events. The operating reserve, at $1 million, is intended to protect against adverse financial results in future years.
Madam Speaker, I commend the board for its work during 1993, and I am pleased to accept this report and table it in the House later next week. Thank you.
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