Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, makes two amendments: to create a presumption that certain diseases which occur more frequently in firefighters than in the general population have been caused by the firefighter’s exposure to conditions at the scene of fires. A further amendment extends the period of time that a Minister may reappoint a person to the Governance Council.
The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure held a public hearing on Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, on February 23,
2010. The
committee brought forward some proposed amendments at the public review on the same day. The first amendment broadens the definition of firefighter to include part-time and volunteer firefighters. The second amendment limits the tenure of a director on the Governance Council to a period not exceeding nine years without a break in service and that a person who has served on the Governance Council may be reappointed after a break of one year. The Minister concurred and the bill was amended. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.
Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 11. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.