Mr. Speaker, the health and social services system represents approximately one-third of the GNWT public service. So it’s not that surprising that we have a proportionately high number of claims in that area. Front-line workers are in high-risk business, operating 24/7, and front-line staff may incur physical injury when they are lifting or moving patients.
The Department of Human Resources is a shared service provider and we provide support, guidance and advice to assist departments in improving their health and safety practices within all departments, boards and agencies. However, individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their workplaces comply with health and safety standards.
The Department of Human Resources is leading the development and implementation of a GNWT Occupational Health and Safety Program that will cover all the key elements of a successful Occupational Health and Safety Program, including training, incident management, preparing for emergencies and managing hazards. So we are working with the departments to help them strengthen their own programs and services in the area of occupational health and safety. Thank you.