Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this bill makes some changes, the initial intent is a good one. I have concerns that the Minister still retains the authority to appoint the chair and the vice-chair of these boards. That, Mr. Speaker, is a concern to me.
In clause 4, the Minister shall designate a chairperson and vice-chairperson of the appeals tribunal from among the members of the appeals tribunal appointed under paragraph 1(8).
That is a concern to me. If we are talking about being more open and arms length from the government, is this truly being arms length when people who have gone through the process and reached the period of having to make an appeal, then feel who they are going to be sitting in front of is actually going to hear their case in an open way if they know the Minister appoints that person? Why can the department not make this where from amongst themselves, they can appoint a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. I think that is straightforward. It opens the door to being open and having people who come before the appeals tribunal feel they will be heard and it is not going to be influenced by the Minister who is responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board.
That is a very serious concern, Mr. Speaker. I have serious consideration in this area, and concerns that this has to be addressed. We have talked about being open and accountable. I think this is a small move that would really show big on the department in making it more open.
Most people who unfortunately have to go through the process of an appeal...I think we need to look at this. I hope the department has a chance to review this. As the bill comes up, this is the area that, if it remains, I cannot support. Thank you.