Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on the proposal by the government to transfer occupational health and safety from the Department of Safety and Public Services to the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories. The proposed transfer includes mine safety and, I understand, may include the Labour Standards Board.
During the review of the business plan of the Department of Safety and Public Services by the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development, a recommendation went forward that the transfer of occupational health and safety not proceed until further information, rationalization and justification could be provided back to the standing committee. To date, this has not been provided.
During the review, committee Members were advised by departmental officials and the Minister that in most other jurisdictions, namely the provinces, the workers' compensation boards have responsibility for occupational health and safety, including mine safety. In the last several days, a number of organizations have expressed concern to me about the government's plans. These organizations are: the NWT Chamber of Mines; the NWT Chamber of Commerce; the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce; the NWT Construction Association; and, the NWT Association of Municipalities.
In the standing committee meetings, I was told that boards in all other jurisdictions in Canada have responsibility for occupational health and safety. Now I am told by some of the stakeholders that only four other boards in Canada have responsibility for occupational health and safety: Quebec; BC; Yukon; and, New Brunswick. The level of powers differ in each case.
I am also told that the levels of power and responsibility vary with each jurisdiction. None of them administer labour standards. Mine safety is the responsibility held by some WCBs but, again, the level of power and responsibility varies. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.