Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the comment on Bill 15, in the committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to report that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has completed its review of Bill 15, an Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act on June 4, 1997. The year's maximum insurable remuneration known as YMIR is used to determine benefits payable to an injured worker, as well as the amount of payroll for which an employer will be assessed in the year.

The YMIR is an important component of workers' compensation. The Workers' Compensation Act states that the board must review YMIR every year. The YMIR was last amended by the House in 1966. This bill proposed an increase that YMIR from its present level of $49,000 to $52,000 effective January 1, 1998. This amount would apply for both benefits and assessment purposes.

The Union of Northern Workers noted in their presentation to the committee that the proposed rate of $52,000 is relatively low by national standards and that a figure of $58,000 is more realistic as the cost of living in the Northwest Territories is higher than in most regions. The committee agreed with the proposed act to amend the Workers' Compensation Act to increase the YMIR to $52,000. Members of the committee would like to mention that at this time, there should be better communication between the Workers' Compensation Board and the stakeholders. The committee received many concerns from stakeholders regarding the pre-amendment consultation process. Stakeholders were notified by letter. Unfortunately some stakeholders could not properly notify their members as they did not receive the letter until the day before their hearing.

The committee is also concerned with the effects of division on the Workers' Compensation Board especially the contact and consultation process between the board and the people it represents. Thank you Mr. Chairman.