Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In February 2009 I told this Assembly about a Weledeh constituent who is taking on the Workers’ Compensation and Safety Commission. I’ll update you today on his progress.
The basis of this dispute is the fact that while workers can receive compensation for the psychological pain resulting from injuries, WSCC practices doesn’t allow compensation for physical pain. Psychological pain settlements are made according to a written standard which rates severity. I have read the policy. There may be a provision for a physical pain standard to determine compensation, but WSCC has not developed a standard and does not allow physical pain claims.
My constituent believes this is wrong. For three and a half years now, despite the severe pain and debilitation caused by his injuries, he has fought to have this changed. He’s mounted his case with savvy determination and minimal legal assistance. Recently he took his case to the NWT Human Rights Commission for a ruling on WSCC’s position. In their recent decision, the Human Rights Commission agreed to refer the matter to adjudication. We now await the adjudication hearing.
Throughout this struggle my constituent has repeatedly stated his determination to go on, not just for himself but for all injured workers who have been denied the compensation for pain as well as psychological injury. My constituent has also had to negotiate bottlenecks holding up current benefits. For example, I recently had to intervene so that my constituent no longer has to buy his medication out of pocket and await WSCC reimbursement. Sometimes out of work or with no money for medication, he has had to borrow from family for lack of a mechanism to send the bill directly to WSCC.
Mr. Speaker, I can’t overstate my admiration for this amazing and dedicated man, and gratitude for the opportunities I have had to help him out in small ways. The adjudication will be coming shortly. If it succeeds, I expect to see the WSCC reviewing the complete list of all those who’ve been turned down for pain compensation, and a WSCC action plan to pay complete compensation to these injured workers. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
