Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to be here today to report on the progress made towards the implementation of recommendations made by the Auditor General of Canada and the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, the Auditor General tabled her report on the WCB in June 2006. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight conducted a review of this report and provided their response to this Legislative Assembly in October 2006. As part of their review, Members of this Legislature conducted public hearings and met with injured workers and other stakeholders about the administration, compliance and process in relation to their cases with the Workers' Compensation.
Mr. Chairman, the Auditor General's report and the subsequent report by the standing committee are positive documents that identify a number of important issues that need to be addressed with respect to the workers' compensation system. These reports also provided helpful recommendations on how the WCB could improve communication with injured workers, other stakeholders and the Legislative Assembly.
My office and the Workers' Compensation Board are working diligently to implement these recommendations and look forward to additional observations and feedback from both the standing committee and the public.
While the Auditor General concluded that the board was correctly applying legislation and policy, and that injured workers were receiving the benefits they are entitled to, she also pointed out a number of areas where client service could be improved.
In its response to the Auditor General, the standing committee made a number of specific recommendations. I was pleased to table our comprehensive response to these recommendations earlier this week. I would like to take a few minutes to speak briefly about the steps we are taking to address specific recommendations:
- • A draft communications protocol and action plan has been prepared and was tabled in this House as part of our comprehensive response earlier in the week;
- • The board is working with the Department of Public Works and Services to finalize separate office space for the Appeals Tribunal. We hope this can be concluded prior to the end of March;
- • The board has approved a budget and design for renovations to the reception area that will provide a more inviting and accessible setting for injured workers and employers, while continuing to provide a secure work environment for WCB employees;
- • The WCB agrees with the standing committee that training is of critical importance; therefore, the WCB will continue to invest heavily in training programs for its employees. In 2007, $260,000 has been budgeted for training which will focus on key areas such as sensitivity training, communications training for front-line staff and staff orientation; and
- • Next week, I will be introducing a bill to amend the Workers' Compensation Act that will clearly set out the roles and responsibilities for all parties in the workers' compensation system. This bill will also deal with important issues such as processes to resolve cases where there are conflicting medical opinions.
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank all Members for their input during this valuable process. I look forward to answering any questions Members may have. Thank you.