This is page numbers 1041 - 1073 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was violence.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1063

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1063

The Chair John Ningark

We are dealing with the Workers' Compensation Board. Minister responsible, Mr. Todd, do you have any opening remarks for the committee?

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1063

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Minister's Introductory Remarks

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1063

John Todd Keewatin Central

Yes, Mr. Chairman, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's my pleasure to provide the 1995 operating budget for the programs and administration of the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories.

The board's operating budget for 1995 will be just over $33 million. For this insurance, a no-fault, collective liability scheme is provided to protect both workers and employers. This includes all medical costs resulting from an accident. It should be noted that the territorial health insurance scheme does not pay any of these costs. In addition, the WCB provides safety courses to stakeholders at no charge. This year, a claims management program will also be provided to help employers minimize the cost of accidents.

An increase in forecasted revenues for 1995 reflects increased economic activity in the Northwest Territories. It is anticipated that claims expenditures will also rise. However, the average assessment rate has actually been reduced.

Although medical aid and claims costs are expected to rise in 1995, it is anticipated that continued emphasis on "training on the job" programs and the implementation of the early intervention model will balance these increases.

The board does not expect to increase personnel in 1995. In fact, attention to overall efficiency has allowed the WCB to reduce its internal operating budget slightly.

Some of our counterparts at Workers' Compensation Boards across Canada have been forced recently to reduce statutory benefits offered to claimants and/or increase assessment rates to reduce their unfunded liability positions. I would like to emphasize to my colleagues -- those that are here this afternoon -- that this will not be the case in the NWT for 1995.

In 1994, the NWT Workers' Compensation Board implemented initiatives which will maintain and provide efficient and cost-effective services to employers and workers for several years. Mr. Chairman, three major initiatives were developed:

1. The industrial classification system was reviewed and several changes were made. Effective January 1, 1995, multiple-industry classification has been offered to employers that meet the criteria and several subclasses were amalgamated to increase their economic viability.

2. The safety incentive and rate reduction program was approved. Beginning in 1996, additional assessments will be collected from employers with poor safety records. This revenue will offset rates and enhance safety education programs for all employers.

3. An early intervention model was developed to manage claims more effectively and to promote the early and safe return of injured workers to their work sites.

Do you wish me to continue?

The Workers' Compensation Board is aware of its fiduciary responsibility to maintain a fully-funded accident fund. It is the board's intention to strive for better ways to serve their stakeholders, while remaining within this budget.

To that end, a number of objectives have been outlined in the corporate plan for 1995 to 1997:

1. Policies, procedures and training will be completed and provided to doctors, staff, employers and workers relating to the early intervention model, Mr. Chairman.

2. The communication of rights and obligations to complainants -- pardon me, I am so excited -- to claimants will be improved. A long-term strategy will be developed for information processing and a survey compiled to test whether the board is meeting the needs of all of its stakeholders.

3. The board will develop a medical aid cost containment strategy.

4. A comprehensive policy manual will be completed by December 1995.

5. The investment policy will be revised this year.

6. YMIR alternatives will be researched in the interest of stakeholders.

7. Finally, Mr. Chairman, the economic climate of the north has dictated the need for the Workers' Compensation Board to develop effective strategies for Nunavut and anticipated major non-renewable resource projects. These two issues will be addressed in 1995 and in the future.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1064

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1064

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Chairman, this is a comprehensive list but it reflects the dedication of the Workers' Compensation Board to maintain a high standard of service. This will be accomplished while delivering cost effective programs and remaining within a responsible and balanced budget.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1064

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Do we have any comments from the representative of the Standing Committee on Finance? The chair recognizes the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1064

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, thank you. It gives me great pleasure to respond to those stirring and moving words of the Minister responsible. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Finance, our response to the Minister's opening comments goes as follows.

Rehabilitation Services

In 1993, the board spent about $1.3 million in medical aid expenses related to rehabilitation. Much of that money is still spend sending northerners to southern facilities and specialists. Last year, the committee was informed that the Minister of Health was giving consideration to moving much of this rehabilitation work north, and had commenced negotiations with the Workers' Compensation Board.

The committee now understands that the WCB has issued a call for proposals for rehabilitation service providers and is considering proposals from Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith.

If northern facilities can provide these services in a cost-effective way to the WCB, there is strong interest in ensuring northerners can access rehabilitation services as close to home as possible. Increasing the demand for services at territorial hospitals will benefit not only WCB clients requiring rehabilitation services, but all territorial residents. This increased demand will allow an increase in the number of specialists and treatments which can be offered in a cost-effective way in the north rather than being purchased from the south.

Mr. Chairman, that leads to me a motion that the standing committee would like to present, but it would appear that we are maybe a couple of Members short of a quorum.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1064

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Mr. Dent, we don't have a motion yet. When we have the motion, then we will deal with the quorum. Your motion, please.

Bill 1: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1995-96Committee Report 4-12(7): Report On The Review Of The 1995-96 Main Estimates
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, my motion. I was hoping that in the interim someone might come in.

---Laughter

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

April 25th, 1995

Page 1065

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Health immediately resume negotiations with the Workers' Compensation Board to determine the extent of rehabilitation services which could be delivered in the north through health facilities.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Your motion is in order. I notice that we do not have a quorum. I shall sound the bells here in just a moment.

Breathe a sigh of relief, we have a quorum. We have a motion on the floor. To the motion.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Does the Minister wish to bring in his witnesses to assist him with this matter?

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

John Todd Keewatin Central

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you. Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses.

Thank you. Welcome, Mr. Minister, to the witness table. Would you be so kind as to introduce your witnesses to the committee?

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my immediate left is Ms. Kathy Bentley, director of administration and finance and, on my right, is Gerry Meier, general manager of the Workers' Compensation Board.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome Ms. Bentley and Mr. Meier. General comments. There is no detail. Does the committee agree that we're concluded with the Workers' Compensation Board, the operating budget, the summary, the presentations and the motion?

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Agreed

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have agreement. I apologize for keeping the witnesses for so long in front of the committee.

---Laughter

I'm sure the Minister will be kind enough to let you have the rest of the day off. Thank you again.

Department Of Justice

The next matter we're dealing with is the Department of Justice. On April 4th, according to my Hansard, the department was deferred so the Minister could look at the different concerns of the Members of the committee and to meet with his colleagues in the envelope committee. We're back to deal with the department. I understand that the Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard, would like to address the committee. Mr. Pollard.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

John Pollard Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the last time this department was being discussed, there was some feeling that the department required some extra funds and the amount was $300,000. I'm here to confirm today that that amount has been included in Mr. Kakfwi's Department of Justice budget.

The motion to amend the budget and to increase it by $300,000 will be made by myself as we're dealing with the Appropriation Act. Mr. Kakfwi will be dealing with other issues in this regard. I've met with the Standing Committee on Finance and I believe that they're in agreement, Mr. Chairman. I've sent correspondence to the Standing Committee on Finance confirming those numbers and the increase in the budget. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Pollard. The chair now recognizes the Member for Nahendeh, the chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Recommendation five of the Standing Committee on Finance's Report on the Review of the 1995-96 Main Estimates was considered and carried in this House on Tuesday, April 4, 1995. The committee recommended that the Department of Justice reallocate $300,000 in expenditures from correctional centres, the young offenders' facilities to the victims' assistance task and, further, that the funding for victims' assistance be integrated into community wellness strategy.

Members of the standing committee have legitimate concerns that government efforts in the areas of corrections and assistance for victims of crimes have been focused unfairly towards the offenders and not towards victims. The recommendation reflects a desire to tip the scale a little more in the victims' favour, as it were. The standing committee recognizes that it is not always as simple as it seems to reallocate funds in the manner described in our recommendation. We acknowledge the efforts made by the Minister of Justice to meet the spirit of the recommendation, and we are confident that these efforts will ensure that government spending better reflects the true needs and desires of the residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 42-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 15, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1065

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Minister Kakfwi, do you wish to bring your witnesses in to assist you? Thank you. Does the committee agree?