Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to announce that the following members of the Workers' Compensation Board have been reappointed: Mrs. Vivian Stevely of Hay River for a two year term effective February 18, 1994; Mr. Fred Coman of Iqaluit for a three year term effective February 18, 1994; and, Mr. Tom Hoefer of Yellowknife for a one year term effective May 4, 1994.
In addition, it is also my pleasure to announce that I have appointed Joan Mercredi to the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories.
Most people are aware of the vacancy left on the WCB when Jim Bourque resigned in January to take a position with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. After carefully considering suggestions from a number of sources, I have chosen Ms. Mercredi for her skills, her background and her valued perspectives.
Ms. Mercredi is an aboriginal person, who currently practices law here in Yellowknife. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked many years in the petroleum and telecommunications industries as a front line worker and manager, and she has also been self-employed. She knows first-hand the experiences of the modern workplace and understands the perspectives of the WCB's many stakeholders.
As an aboriginal in the north, Ms. Mercredi grasps native issues and she will ensure that our WCB is more than just a mirror of a southern institution. She is joining Vivian Stevely, increasing the number of women on the board to two and emphasizing our government's commitment to work towards greater representation of women on boards and agencies.
Ms. Mercredi joins a group of individuals who have worked diligently over the past year to improve service and involve their stakeholders through better communication. At the same time, the board continues to strive to provide full funding for current and future liabilities, without reducing workers' benefits.
Ms. Mercredi, chairperson, Jeff Gilmour and other members of the board, still have difficult tasks which they must address over the next several years. The board is considering changing the classification system, introducing a merit rebate/surcharge program and enhancing its safety education programs. There will be many challenges for Ms. Mercredi during her two year term.
I have complete confidence in the board members and in the appeals tribunal commissioners. The board is clearly committed to effectively handling the money employers trust in them and to provide timely and sensitive services and benefits to injured workers. Thank you.
---Applause