Debates of August 21, 2007 (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Workers’ Compensation Board recently redefined its mission to reflect not only its duty to care for injured workers, but also its commitment to the promotion of workplace safety. We need not only simply care for workers once they have been injured; it is equally important to help northern workers prevent those injuries from happening in the first place. The WCB will continue to stress the importance of prevention as part of workplace safety, striving to reduce injuries and suffering as a result of workplace incidents.

To further show its commitment to prevention, and in response to its stakeholders, the WCB recently made changes to its organizational structure. As of July 3, 2007, the mine and industrial safety units, formerly housed separately under NWT and Nunavut operations, are now part of the new prevention services unit, reporting to a common vice-president.

WCB safety officers and inspectors will continue to be responsible for helping to keep northerners safe by ensuring compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act and Industrial Safety Act. The goal of the division is still to reduce workplace injuries and promote workplace safety. The new protection services unit will now share their knowledge, experience and resources.

The WCB will continue to help northerners build a safer culture that includes a strong emphasis on prevention. Through safety education and training, and dedication to the well-being of the clients it serves, the WCB continues to work toward making the North a safer place to live and work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause