Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been a Member of this Assembly for over a year and a half now and, as with my colleagues, I have worked hard to meet the responsibilities of this Assembly and the people of the Deh Cho.

One disturbing trend I have noticed, Mr. Speaker, is that I am spending more and more time advocating on behalf of my constituents who are having problems with the Workers' Compensation Board. It seems, Mr. Speaker, that the way the Workers' Compensation Board deals with its clients can at times be very arbitrary and contrary to due process.

One case that I am aware of, a client has had his amount of compensation lowered three times. Three times, Mr. Speaker, without ever receiving an explanation for the changes. You can imagine the frustration of my constituent.

I get the sense that in some cases, the WCB is assuming that injured workers are trying to rip off the system and consequently make it so hard for the client to access the program that they may go away. I do not mean to slight the staff of the Workers' Compensation Board. They work in very trying conditions and must deal with people who are facing a crisis and may not be at their best. They should be commended.

However, Mr. Speaker, compassion, understanding and consideration have to be provided to the WCB clients. They have to be informed of changes to their benefits prior to their cheques being received. Board staff must assume a less adversarial role in dealing with clients. I am hoping that the review of the Workers' Compensation Board will take into account the views of injured workers who are having problems in accessing benefits and will recommend positive changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause