Debates of October 27, 2004 (day 29)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my written question is to the Honourable David Krutko, Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Please provide information on what steps have been taken by the WCB to accommodate and to fall in line with the findings of the Supreme Court decision, cited as Nova Scotia WCB vs Martin [2003] 2S.C.R.504, in terms of the board’s policy on compensatory and rehabilitation program benefits for those NWT claimants who suffer from the disability of chronic pain.

Please provide answers to the following:

Are persons with chronic pain derived from a workplace accident or condition eligible for the same level and degree of benefits as those suffering from workplace injuries?

Are persons with chronic pain subject to the same administrative processes in assessing their disability and providing for compensation for that disability?

Are there any different considerations applied to this type of condition than other conditions?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.