Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate later time today I will table the annual report of the Workers Compensation Board for the period January 1 to December 31, 1995.

In 1995, 5,865 businesses registered with the W.C.B., of these more than 3,100 employed one or more workers, 3,600 claims for compensation were accepted, 64 percent from engine workers between 25 and 44 and more than half from Fort Smith region. In addition, 19 traditional harvesters or their dependants received benefits under government agreement initiated in 1994. The W.C.B. awarded the supplementary pension increase last year of 1.3 percent, equal to the increase in the C.P.I. It also recommended a $1,500 increase in the year's maximum insurable remuneration. YMEA announced an 8 percent reduction in the average assessment rate for 1996. Major time loss claims were reduced, there were fewer requests for review, and fewer appeals of decisions.

Employer assessments totalled $24.4 million last year and $13.3 million was realized from board investment. The W.C.B. paid out 3.2 million for workers injured in 1995, and $14.2 million for those injured in previous years. An additional $24.4 million was set aside to cover the future trust of any and all existing claims. Of the year ended in 1995, the W.C.B. was fully funded, it had maintained its capacity to reserve at the required level of $4.7 million, and added a surplus of $7.8 million to its operating reserve which now totals $13.9 million.

Well, there is no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that the Workers' Compensation Board has met its statutory responsibilities. The true measure of this organization however, is that it did it, did more than it was obligated to do. The Board took steps to improve both its fiscal responsibility and customer service. A new investment policy and governor's plan were developed as a result, W.C.B.'s asset mix was changed to put more emphasis on equity investments. International equities were added to the mix, and clear rules were established for rebalancing its portfolio. The safety initiative and rate reduction production was implemented to promote safety in the workplace, and make the collective liability system more equitable. Employer claims manager was introduced without employers taking an active role in managing their workers compensation claims. Industrial classifications were reviewed in 1995 and the number of sub-classes were reduced to provide greater stability for the investment rates, Mr. Speaker. An extensive policy review was undertaken, a new policy manual is now available for all stakeholders.

A program was developed to promote safety amongst the North's artists and carvers, and to increase their awareness of the coverage available from the W.C.B. A special needs audit was performed on pensioners with significant disabilities, approximately 50 employers in 12 communities participated in the board's on the job training program to return workers to the workplace, and over 2,000 unemployed workers took part in the safety training.

Mr. Speaker, in the coming years, the W.C.B. will meet its new responsibilities for occupational health and safety, it will continue to address the expansion of non-renewable resource industries and prepare for the vision and the growth of Nunavut. I would like to personally commend the board of directors and the staff of the W.C.B. for providing a strong foundation on which the NWT/WCB can address the future. Thank you.