Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, it is my pleasure today to table the board's corporate plan for 1998-2000.
The corporate plan provides a template which will guide the WCB's operations over the next three years. It represents the first step in a comprehensive planning process that translates into an action plan for management and personal objectives for staff.
Once again, this strategic plan is based on very solid footing. Responsible board management decisions and strong investments have allowed the NWT Workers' Compensation Board to make plans with the assurance of a fully funded accident fund.
This strong financial position enabled the WCB to reduce the average employer assessment rate in 1997, and again in 1998. Only three years ago, the average rate was $2.54 per $100 of assessable payroll. It fell, this year, to $1.87 per $100, the fourth lowest in Canada.
By the same token, this House approved a bill last fall to increase the year's maximum insurable remuneration (the YMIR) to $52,000. This will enable the WCB to fully compensate 75 percent of full-time workers who are injured in the Northwest Territories.
A supplementary pension increase of 1.82 percent was awarded to WCB pensioners last year and a further increase of 1.78 percent was approved for 1998. These adjustments will allow pensioners to keep up with increases in the cost of living.
Mr. Speaker, these are tangible measurements of the WCB's success. It follows that many of the strategic directions identified in past corporate plans are reaffirmed in this document.
Improving workplace safety will remain an important objective. The board will continue to focus its efforts on those industries and sectors with the highest accident rates and on promoting partnerships with workers and employers.
The WCB will also continue to strive for the highest possible level of service. Alternative methods of program delivery will be explored and existing initiatives will be evaluated to ensure they meet their stated objectives. Communication with stakeholders will continue to be a top priority.
Mr. Speaker, while this document reflects the WCB's current level of success, it also acknowledges that the WCB must respond to a rapidly changing environment.
In the next three years, the WCB will work hard to clarify its roles, responsibilities and accountability. The development of an effective board governance structure is crucial to ensuring that the financial, Legislative and program challenges facing the board are dealt with in a responsible manner.
Most importantly, the board must work to project the interests of its stakeholders during the creation of the two new territories. The WCB will co-operate with representatives of the west and Nunavut to facilitate a smooth transition. In the end result, I am sure all Members want a Workers' Compensation Board which will provide efficient and cost effective service in both jurisdictions after April 1, 1999.
Mr. Speaker, the WCB's Corporate Plan for 1998-2000 reflects the combined dedication of the board of directors, management and staff to meet the challenges of workers' compensation which will face us going into the twenty-first century. I encourage my colleagues to read this document. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.