Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with subsection 91(1) of the Financial Administration Act, I will be tabling the Corporate Plan for the Workers' Compensation Board for the years 1997-99 later today.

Implementation of an early intervention approach to claims management, development of a communications strategy and a comprehensive policy review have continued to improve the WCB's service to stockholders. Safety education initiatives were introduced to reduce accidents through several new programs; Safety Incentive and Rate Reduction (SIRR); Claims Management for Employers; Safety Awareness for Artists and Carvers; Safety and the Young Worker.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Workers' Compensation Board has come a long way since the presentation of its first corporate plan in 1993. As the WCB has evolved in recent years, so has its corporate plan. Unlike previous plans, this document focuses on only four strategic issues. This is a conscious effort by the WCB to limit its new initiatives while preparing for division in 1999.

In the next three years, the WCB will work to promote safe and healthy workplaces by balancing its responsibilities for education and enforcement; promoting partnership and commitment with employers and workers; and, targeting industries and sectors with the highest accident frequency.

The WCB will also work to sustain the progress it has already achieved by evaluating existing programs and service delivery to ensure their effectiveness; examining alternative program and services delivery models; providing on-going training and development for staff; and, ensuring the information systems adequately support the standards set for delivery and accountability of WCB initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, while the 1995 Annual Report reflected the WCB's continued financial health, it is the strategic initiatives defined in this corporate plan that will ensure its success for the future. I encourage all members to take the time to read this important document.

-- Applause