Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to announce the appointment of Mr. Fred Koe of Yellowknife as the new chairperson the Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Koe replaces the former chair, Mr. Jeffrey Gilmour, who recently became Secretary to the Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Department of the Executive for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Koe, a certified management accountant, is a long time northerner and businessman who is familiar with the working conditions in the north. He has a first hand understanding of the operation of the Workers' Compensation Board as he chaired the 1992 Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions review of the Workers' Compensation Board during his time as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Koe assumes this position on a part-time basis. The responsibilities of chief executive officer, formerly handled by the chairperson, have been delegated to the President, Mr. Gerry Meier. The move to a part-time chairperson is consistent with the recommendation contained in the Report of the 1989 Review Panel, the 1992 Standing Committee on Agencies, Board and Commissions and the WCB Garven Report.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.