Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, later today, I will table the corporate plan of the Northwest Territories Workers' Compensation Board for 1995-97. I have approved this plan as required by the Financial Administration Act.
I think it is appropriate, at this time, to commend the efforts of the staff and the board of the WCB, and to congratulate them on what I consider to be effective and realistic initiatives.
The past year has seen the implementation of several initiatives.
On the recommendation of this Legislative Assembly, the WCB has worked with the Department of Renewable Resources to amend the Workers' Compensation Act to establish an appropriate benefit level for hunters, trappers and fishermen.
I am pleased to say that a memorandum of understanding has been reached, allowing easier access to harvesters' benefits. An information package describing these changes has been distributed and is available in both English and Inuktitut.
The WCB has strived, during the last 12 months, to streamline the appeals tribunal process. Formal rules of practice will soon be finalized and made available to claimants. I am happy to announce, Madam Speaker, that of the 32 appeals filed in 1993, all were addressed by October 31st, as were an additional backlog of 28 cases.
This achievement represents a significant time commitment on behalf of the chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Don McNenly, and the appeals tribunal Commissioners who are part-time members.
The board of directors has recently approved a comprehensive communications strategy that will ensure that more timely and accurate information is being provided to the stakeholders.
Service standards and communications guidelines have been established or enhanced to improve client service.
An affirmative action plan and recruitment strategy have been developed to more accurately reflect our northern population and demographics.
Several important projects are still ongoing, Madam Speaker. The safety incentive and rate reduction program has been approved for implementation in 1996. This program is designed to collect additional assessments from employers with poor safety records, while offsetting rates for others. More importantly, safety advisors will work with employers to provide safety education and, hopefully, reduce the number and severity of accidents through the workplace.
In the claims area, an early intervention model has been developed. This initiative focuses on the early and accurate diagnosis of a worker's injury and the development of a realistic return to work plan. The end result will be a safe and timely return of injured workers to the workplace.
A multi-industry classification has been created in response to employer concerns, and the number of industry subclasses has been reduced. These changes will take effect January 1, 1995, so implementation is already under way.
A review of policies and procedures has begun to address issues raised during the public consultation process, Madam Speaker.
Finally, as Members are aware, the WCB has recovered from a deficit position and is taking the necessary steps to remain fully funded.
Madam Speaker, the WCB is very aware of the need to be progressive and is looking ahead with two new initiatives. The first involves an evaluation of program delivery in the eastern Arctic. The second is a needs assessment based on the expected growth in the non-renewable resource sector.
Madam Speaker, I would encourage all Members to take the time to read the document I will be tabling later this afternoon. Thank you.