Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the last number of years, the Members in this House brought forward a plethora of issues pertaining to the WCB, not the least of which are the deficiencies in the chronic pain policy and another long-protracted file dealing with grievances filed by workers who are not receiving the benefits or fair practice from the WCB that they're entitled to.
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
In the Legislative Assembly on February 21st, 2007. See this topic in context.
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1067
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1067
An Hon. Member
Hear! Hear!
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1067
Sandy Lee Range Lake
In answering my latest written question on this topic, Mr. Speaker, I was advised of two things: one is that the Governance Council will be considering the new chronic pain policy, or the issues surrounding that, at their February 13 to 16 meeting; the other one is that the new legislation will make sure that WCB remains independent from political influence.
Mr. Speaker, as we have not been advised, I don't know what the outcome of this latest meeting is. I am also aware, Mr. Speaker, that the WCB is pressing injured workers hard to settle the long-outstanding files as we speak. Mr. Speaker, I'm willing to give the WCB the benefit of the doubt that it will finally do right by these workers and do what is best for them. If they are entitled to their benefits, they should get the full extent of the benefits that they are entitled to. They should not in any way be forced to get anything less just because it's in the interest of cleaning up longstanding files. Mr. Speaker, if there are shortfalls in the WCB policies or legislation in addressing these files, I would expect that the WCB would include them in the upcoming introduction of WCB legislation for our review.
Mr. Speaker, as well, I'll be looking very closely at the Governance Council decision on the chronic pain policy to see that they meet the interests of the workers and reflect the progress required by a series of court decisions on the substance and procedure of chronic pain policy that they have been advised of.
Mr. Speaker, lastly, I must tell you that I'm clearing up my desk and my schedule for the summer to be completely ready to receive the WCB legislation that is set to be introduced in March. I also believe this will be, Mr. Speaker, the opportunity for this House to once and for all address many of the long-outstanding WCB issues that we have been grappling with over the last number of years. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1067
The Speaker Paul Delorey
The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Ms. Lee.
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
February 20th, 2007
Page 1067
Sandy Lee Range Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, lastly, contrary to the written question that I received from the WCB, I don't believe this is a political influence exercised, or political interference that might be implied on this matter. Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly that this is what we do as legislators and I look forward to doing that job with this new legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Workers' Compensation Board Chronic Pain Policy
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 1067
The Speaker Paul Delorey
Thank you, Ms. Lee. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone in the gallery today. I hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience. Oral questions. The Member for Hay River, Mrs. Groenewegen.