Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to draw attention, once again, to the unfairness of WCB rates being charged to food franchise operations. As I said in my Member's statement yesterday, this group of businesses have seen a serious increase of 25 percent of their WCB rates over the last several years. This despite the fact that the food franchises follow high national safety standards set by their head offices.
The explanation for high premiums, Mr. Speaker, is that they are paying for the poor safety practices of other businesses in their rate class. Mr. Speaker, although technically right, this explanation is not acceptable or fair, Mr. Speaker. Why are we not penalizing the establishments with bad safety records, through hefty fines or even closure, instead of making the other good businesses pay for their mistakes? How does punishing businesses with good practices, who promote work safety, how is that fair, how does that increase safety by punishing them with high rates?
Mr. Speaker, not only are the rates themselves unfair, but the process by which they are set also leaves much to be desired. Mr. Speaker, they are not asking for this; they are begging for fairness.
In the past, premium increases have been imposed on businesses without any explanation or justification; increases of 25 percent. The WCB is clearly out of touch with small business. As one step to improve communication and a working relationship, I would suggest to the WCB Minister to make it a standard practice of holding a meeting with any class that has a rate increase that year of 10 percent or more, Mr. Speaker. This way it would be a fair way to discuss the reasons associated with such a rate spike.
It is the very least, and a reasonable suggestion, Mr. Speaker, and I can't understand why the WCB wouldn't embrace this idea or something very, very similar. Good communication is a very basic customer service. We have to keep in mind the WCB works for the businesses and it's not the other way around. If WCB is not willing to take up this challenge and formalize consultation, I think it will be time for this House to pass legislation to make them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause