Charles Dent

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the current policy of the board for chronic pain does specifically mention chronic pain as a pain disorder and it does specifically say that compensation benefits can be provided for the lifetime of the recipient if necessary. So that is, in many ways, probably dealing with the constitutional requirement.

It’s important to point out that the court decision of Justice Schuler states that it was the policy in effect in 2001 that was not in compliance with section 15 of the Charter. I want to point out, too, that the Auditor General, who did a study of the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, I have been talking with my colleague, the Minister of Public Works, about this issue. We don’t have a solution at this point, but we are aware of the pressing need in the community and we will continue to work to get a facility into the long-term capital plan and look for a short-term solution to the inadequate space. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like the Member, I would like to express my congratulations to the grads from the recent programs offered in Norman Wells. That campus has been extremely active and very proficient in seeing graduates get through the facility and the facility is somewhat challenging, as the Member has pointed out. ECE continues to work with our partners at Public Works to explore what options there may be for replacing that building in the future. We are prepared to look at different options. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It has been an interesting discussion this afternoon and I know that there's been a lot of weight on the cost of more Members in this House. I know my constituents have told me that they agree that they're not anxious to see the cost of representation go up. I know somebody today said more Members won't bring in more money. I think that was probably the Minister of Finance…

---Laughter

…but he's absolutely right; they won't. But what we're talking about here is not just about representation. My colleague Mr. McLeod made some very strong arguments about how people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t believe so. I believe they want to do the right thing for an injured worker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s been a significant amount of time since this issue was initially addressed by the WCB. It’s also been some time since the policies were changed. The policies the Appeals Tribunal were looking at were different. The WCB wants to make sure that they explain the current policy, which does allow for the individualization of compensation for all claimants so that that’s clearly understood. What they’re intending to do is ensure that the policies are clearly explained the way they are now, because I think it’s important to remember that they were the ones who initially...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are waiting for the final report from the group that we brought together in September. Sometime after we get that final report, I will sit down with my colleague. I expect that will be before the next session. I expect that, between ITI and ECE, we will be able to have some answers before the February session.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I understand it, the Financial Administration Act prohibits the Minister from providing any direction to the WCB that will impact on the accident fund. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s also important to remember that the Auditor General’s report pointed out that the Minister does not make policy. It’s the board or the Governance Council that makes policy. So the Governance Council has agreed that they are going to look at their policy. They are prepared to consult and make the changes and they have a policy in place that allows for a lifetime disability pension right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I always enjoy visiting the Member’s communities with him when given an opportunity to travel in the Sahtu. I would welcome the opportunity to join him in a visit to Norman Wells to address that issue in the not-too-distant future. Thank you.