The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) was established under the Workers' Compensation Ordinance in 1977. The Worker's Compensation Act ultimately replaced the Ordinance in the mid-1980s. The purpose of the Worker's Compensation Act is to provide a method of compensating workers for wage losses due to accidents occurring during the course of employment. The Act places the adjudication of claims in the hands of the Workers' Compensation Board instead of the courts and makes the employer's liability collective instead of individual.
The Board operates with funds raised through assessments levied on employers in the Northwest Territories on the basis of a percentage of the payrolls in order to meet all claims payable during the year, including administrative costs. The assessments are also used to provide for payment of liabilities in respect of future compensation or accidents, which have or may occur and to establish reserves for employers. The WCB does not receive any funding through annual appropriation approved by the Legislative Assembly. This results in a more autonomous operation than would otherwise exist, with internal financial decisions being make by the Workers' Compensation Board. Annually the WCB submits its proposal for the Year's Maximum Assessable Remuneration (YMAR) to the Legislative Assembly for approval. The YMAR determines the upper limits upon which employers' assessments and claimants' benefits are based. Rates are adjusted as required by the WCB. These funds are used to provide compensation to workers who are injured on the job or who contract an occupational disease.
The Workers Compensation Board is unique among the Boards and Agencies created by territorial legislation. It has exclusive jurisdiction in all matters affecting compensation for workers injured on the job. Compensation includes the payment of medical expenses and the provision of medical and vocational rehabilitation. It also includes payment for loss of wages resulting from injury or occupational disease, pensions for workers who suffer permanent disability and pensions for dependents of workers killed in accidents. The Workers' Compensation Board is appointed by the Legislative Assembly and reports to the Legislative Assembly through the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. In addition to a Chairman, there are a fluctuating number of Board members. The management and staff of the WCB have the responsibility for providing a service to those involved in work related injuries and to employers. Their responsibilities include: adjudication of claims, administration of pensions, arrangement of rehabilitation programs, determination of and collection of insurance premiums from employers and management of the financial resources to assure that future costs related to past claims are fully funded.
From its inception the Workers' Compensation Board has undergone a series of legislative and operational reviews, which has resulted in amendments to its legislation and changes in policy. A Task Force was established in 1981 to study the operations of the WCB, the future developments of workers' compensation in the Northwest Territories and review how workers' compensation was practiced in other jurisdictions. A report was submitted and recommendations were made which facilitated changes to the Worker's Compensation Ordinance. A merit rebate plan, which was a type of assessment rebate program for employers, was also established at this time. The program was designed to encourage safety and reduce injury costs.
In 1983, the Board expanded its safety incentive program that provided dividends to employers with good safety records and levied additional assessments on employers with poor safety records. The Board also worked with St. John Ambulance in order to provide first aid training to workers, particularly workers in high-risk occupations such as construction and resource related industry. In 1984, the Board introduced a public information program to advise all registered hunters and trappers in the Northwest Territories that they were eligible for WCB coverage. Literature was sent to all communities and personal visits were made to some of the settlements in the Keewatin, Kitikmeot and Baffin regions. In 1986, a review committee was appointed to recommend changes to the Workers' Compensation Act (formerly the Workers' Compensation Ordinance) and these changes, which were approved by the Legislative Assembly, came into affect on January 1st, 1987. The Year's Maximum Insurable Remuneration (YMIR) was increased at this time and the basis for calculating disability benefits also increased. The increased YMIR was intended to ensure that eight out of ten workers in the Northwest Territories would have their full earnings covered for compensation during 1987. Dependents of workers killed in accidents after January 1, would also receive improved benefits as a result of the YMIR increase. Due to the high cost of administering workers' compensation in the Northwest Territories, the Board also commissioned a national firm of consultants to do a review of the systems and procedures and recommend changes in order to reduce costs. In addition, the report of a committee appointed to review the Workers' Compensation Act was tabled in the Legislative Assembly. Some of the committee's recommendations had already been dealt with, such as the provision of covering registered hunters and trappers, however, the revised Workers' Compensation Act was expected to come into force in 1988.
In 1989, a ministerial review panel was appointed to carry out a review of the Board's operation and responsibilities. The panel's report which was released in April 1989 contained a list of recommendations such as development of new terms of reference for all committees; in-depth actuarial and investment reviews; development of a new strategic plan; expansion of the rehabilitation program; review and updating of Board policies; appointment of four commissioners to the claim review committee; establishment of a Workers' advisor position; rewriting the Worker's Compensation Act; establishment of a new rate setting process and preparation of a Board of Directors Manual.
On April 1, 2008, both the NWT Workers’ Compensation Act and Nunavut Workers’ Compensation Act changed to create the amalgamated Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The Task Force on Personnel Policy and Management was established in November of 1973 by the Commissioner. Its mandate was to evaluate the efficiency of the Territorial Government's administration. The Task Force was lead by Assistant Commissioner Ewan M.R. Cotterill. Participation of the members of the civil service was encouraged via a letter from the Commissioner asking for input on all aspect of organization and personnel management. The responses received formed the basis of the report of the task force and it was presented to the Commissioner in August 1974. The Executive Committee subsequently released a report based upon the nineteen recommendations of the August 1974 report. The Commissioner released his final report on the matter in 1976. One outcome of the work of the Task Force was creation of a new classification system and the re-classification of all positions.
The Task Force on Aboriginal Languages was established in 1985 for gathering public input on the long-term development, preservation and enhancement of aboriginal languages. The Task Force was comprised of a three-member Dene language and three-member Inuit/Inuvialuit group, with respective chairpersons. The Task Force members traveled to many communities where public meetings and consultations were held. Communities where formal public hearings were conducted included: Yellowknife, Fort Rae , Rae Lakes, Deline (Fort Franklin), Lutselk'e (Snowdrift), Fort Resolution, Inuvik and Fort Smith. Comments were also obtained from many government departments and meetings were held with officials from key departments. The Task Force also held a number of internal workshops and meetings to discuss their findings and to develop their recommendations. The recommendations were presented to the Legislative Assembly in March of 1986 in the form of a formal report.
The Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories was established by the Status of Women Council Act in 1988. The Council fulfills an advisory role and reports to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories through the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. The Government of the Northwest Territories does not employ the members of the Council; rather the Council is funded through contribution agreements. The objectives of the Council are to: develop public awareness of issues affecting the status of women; promote a change in attitudes within the community in order that women may enjoy equality of opportunity; encourage discussion and expression of opinion by residents of the Northwest Territories on issues affecting the status of women; advise the Minister of issues that the Minister may refer to the Council for consideration; review policies and legislation affecting women and to report its findings to the relevant government departments or agencies; provide assistance to the Minister in promoting changes to ensure the attainment of equality for women; and provide the appropriate assistance to organizations and groups whose objectives promote the equality of women. The Women's Advisory, which is part of the Minister's Offices of the Department of the Executive, provides a point of contact within the Territorial Government on issues of concern to women and advice and support to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. Women's Advisory administers a Grants and Contributions program, which supports and provides liaison with the Status of Women Council and other organizations that enhance the cultural, economic, political and social participation of women in society.
In 1976, the Commissioner approved the formation of the Status of Women Committee. In 1978, this committee was asked by the Commissioner to develop a territorial plan of action. This was in response to similar activities occurring at both the national and provincial levels in Canada. The aim of the plan of action was to promote equality between the sexes. The Status of Women Committee formed an ad hoc committee with representatives from each department to develop the territorial plan of action. The ad hoc committee examined numerous issues including: employment opportunities; education and training; family responsibilities; health and nutrition; political participation; communications and culture. A conference entitled "Breaking New Ground" was organized for May 2, 1979 in order for the ad hoc committee to gather the opinions of all interested Government of the Northwest Territories female employees. On May 23, 1979, because of the discussions of the ad hoc committee, departmental submissions and the recommendations of the "Breaking New Ground" Conference, a Territorial Plan of Actions was submitted to the Executive.
In May of 1973, a Northwest Territories Status of Women Conference was held as a precursor to a Western "Opportunities for Women" conference held in Vancouver. Sixty women, forty of whom were from Yellowknife, attended the Northwest Territories Conference. Women in Yellowknife saw the need for an on-going committee to work on their concerns including: marriage property laws; education and job benefits; childcare information and opportunities for all women. In response, the Northwest Territories Status of Women Action Committee formed and affiliated itself with the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Alison McAteer was selected to coordinate the committee. In 1975, International Women's Year, the NWT Status of Women Action Committee organized the Yellowknife Women's Festival. They were also involved in the design and sale of a poster celebrating the NWT Status of Women Action Committee entitled "Our Time Is Now."
The Northern Canada Power Commission was a federal Crown Corporation originally established in 1948 as the Northwest Territories Power Commission. Its name changed in 1956 to the Northern Canada Power Commission. In May 1988, its name was changed again to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation when it was transferred to the GNWT.
The Northwest Territories Options for Women group was formed in 1976. It was a group established to offer support and address issues pertaining to women such as single parenting, childcare and health care.
The NWT Official Languages Act created the position of Language Commissioner and in December 1991, the Legislative Assembly appointed the first NWT Languages Commissioner, Betty Harnum. The Languages Commissioner is appointed for a four-year term and he/she is responsible for the following: promotion of the eight official languages in the NWT, ensure the recognition of the status, rights and privileges of Official Languages speakers and the spirit and intent of the Official Language Act, and encourage the advancement of activities in aboriginal languages. In addition, the Language Commissioner acts as an impartial mediator to resolve complaints about Official Languages and the Act, and conducts investigation ensuring that the rights, status and privileges of each of the eight official languages in the Northwest Territories are protected within government institutions. The Language Commissioner also monitors quality of services in the eight official languages provided to the GNWT and the Legislative Assembly and is responsible for making recommendations to the government or the Legislative Assembly to improve or change services or programs. An annual report from this office is submitted to the Legislative Assembly in order to report on activities and make suggested changes to legislation.
In the early 1870s, the Northwest Territories had the status of a colony and was governed by Ottawa. The Privy Council of Canada appointed the Commissioner who was responsible to the federal minister in charge of administering the northern territories when residents had no elected representation. In 1905, the Northwest Territories Act provided a four-member appointed Council to assist the Commissioner in administering the Northwest Territories, but no members were named until 1921. Under Sections 4 and 5 of the Northwest Territories Act, the Commissioner had sole Executive authority for the Government of the Northwest Territories subject to instructions that he was given by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs or the Governor in Council. Between 1905-1919, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had widespread power and influence extending from the community level to the senior levels of government. During this time the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. In 1919, the Deputy Minister of the Interior became the Commissioner, beginning a practice that lasted until 1963.
In 1964, the position of Commissioner became a full-time responsibility. The Territorial Government for the first time since 1905 opened offices completely separate from those of the Department of Northern Affairs.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the gradual transfer of power from the Commissioner to elected ministers was evident. In 1980, the Commissioner was still the formal head of government in the Northwest Territories and chaired the Executive Committee and the Financial Management Board. The Commissioner also had line responsibility for the Department of Finance and the Department of Information. In 1981, the role the Commissioner played in the governing of the Northwest Territories was changing. Although the authority of the Commissioner, as defined by the NWT Act remained unchanged, executive members to the Northwest Territories Council began to assume increased responsibility for departmental and executive functions. 1981 was the first year an elected member assumed senior financial departmental responsibilities. Following this partial reassignment of portfolios, the Commissioner retained direct responsibility for the Departments of Information and Personnel and continued to chair the Executive Committee and the Financial Management Board.
During the 1980s, the devolution of responsibilities from the Commissioner's office to elected ministers continued. The Departments of Information and Public Works administered by the Commissioner and Deputy-Commissioner, respectively became the responsibility of elected members of the Executive Council, and therefore all but the Department of Personnel was under ministerial control. The Minister of Finance assumed the chairmanship of the Financial Management Board and the Commissioner took over the deputy chairman's position. 1984 marked the first time that an elected Government Leader was chosen by the full caucus, and the first time that all eight of the Executive Council members were elected. The Commissioner continued to chair the Executive Council, with the Government Leader taking the role of deputy chairman. With the devolution of portfolios to elected ministers of the Executive Council, the Commissioner ceased sitting with members of the Legislature in committee of the whole. These steps represented recognition by Ottawa of the increased political maturity of the Government of the Northwest Territories and signified a process leading towards full responsible government.
In 1986, the Commissioner turned over the chairmanship of the Executive Council to the Government Leader. With this symbolic act, the Northwest Territories, in practice, achieved responsible government, as elected ministers took full responsibility for the conduct of government. Furthermore, the responsibility for the Department of Personnel, which was held by the Commissioner, was taken over by the Government Leader in 1986.
In 1988, the Commissioner and staff moved to new offices in the Courthouse building. The relocation represented a small but important constitutional step because the physical separation helped to define more clearly the distinct and differing functions of the Commissioner and Executive Council.
An important function that was consistent within the office of the Commissioner was the presence of the Commissioner within the lives of the people of the north. The Commissioner spent much time traveling to all communities in the north, which facilitated an on-going dialogue with residents in the communities. Travel provided an opportunity to meet with band and municipal councils, private groups and citizens and to hear individual and community concerns. The Commissioner was also present at many official openings and speaking engagements and toured the north with royalty, Prime Ministers and Governor-Generals of Canada. The office of the Commissioner also operates the Commissioner's Awards Committee. This committee considers nominations and makes recommendations to the Commissioner regarding awards, which are presented to people who have done an exceptional public service or by acts of bravery. Today the Commissioner's role is largely one of ceremony. The Commissioner continues to travel the north, grant the Commissioner's Award, opens each session of the Legislature and signs territorial bills.
The following were the Commissioners of the Northwest Territories: Adams G. Archibald (1870-1872), Alexander Morris (1872-1876), Hon. David Laird (1876-1881), Hon. Edgar Dewdney (1881-1888), Hon. Joseph Royal (1888-1893), C.H. Mackintosh (1893-1897), F.W.G. Haultain (1897-1905), Lt. Col. Frederick White (1905-1919), W.W. Cory (1919-1931), H.H. Rowatt (1931-1934), Dr. Charles Camsell (1936-1946), Dr. Hugh L. Keenleyside (1947-1950), Major-General Hugh A. Young (1950-1953), R.Gordon Robertson (1953-1963), B.G. Sivertz (1963-1967), Stuart M. Hodgson (1967-1979), John H. Parker (1979-1989), Daniel L. Norris (1989-1994), Helen Maksagak (1995-1999), Daniel Joseph Marion (1999-2000), Glenna F. Hansen (2000-2005), Anthony W.J. Whitford (2005-2010), George L. Tuccaro (2010-present).