Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board released the board's 1993 annual report in great fanfare in this House. The headline in the press, and I quote "In the black, WCB up $14 million."
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But, Madam Speaker, the headline went on to say the amazing financial recovery was questioned by labour and employers. The Minister did not explain that of the $13.4 million turnaround between 1992 and 1993, about $3.3 million came from increased assessments to employers and over $10 million came from reduced claim payments to injured workers. In fact, the cost of administering the board increased slightly in 1993, even though the total number of claims decreased slightly.
Madam Speaker, there are a number of legitimate concerns to be addressed here, and the ordinary Members of this House will be addressing those concerns later today in question period.
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