Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, it will be my pleasure to table, later today, the board's corporate plan for the years 1999 to 2001 in accordance with subsection 91(1) of the Financial Administration Act. The corporate plan, which will guide WCB operations over the next three years, is prepared annually as a result of joint planning sessions involving the WCB's board of directors and its management team. This corporate plan reaffirms many of the strategic issues identified in the board's previous plan. Improving workplace safety, in particular, remains an important objective for the WCB. Education and inspection activities will target those industries with high accident frequencies, and partnerships with workers and employers will be actively promoted in 1999. The WCB will provide ergonomic training and education to employers, and will develop initiatives aimed at small business, youth and the changing workplace.
Mr. Speaker, the WCB remains committed to excellence in the areas of program and service delivery. This commitment is reflected in a number of initiatives designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations, including an evaluation of on-line-access reporting for employers, enhanced return-to-work incentives and a case management model which will provide better and more timely service to injured workers.
Mr. Speaker, as recognized in the board's previous corporate plan, an effective board governance structure is crucial in ensuring that the financial, legislative and program challenges facing the WCB are dealt with in a responsible manner. Effective stakeholder-board interaction is a top priority, as it is every year. Mr. Speaker, the WCB is also proud to be hosting the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada's 1999 Congress here in Yellowknife.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the board is committed to protecting the interests of all WCB stakeholders during the division process and post-division. By acting as a resource during the negotiation of an intergovernmental transition agreement, the board is well positioned to support whatever decisions are made at the political level with respect to its structure after division.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by congratulating, as I have many times, the board of directors, staff and management of the WCB in their efforts to continually improve workers' compensation in the north. These are uncertain times and the WCB has responded to the challenge. Thank you.