NNSL (DEC 04/96) - Former Inuvik MLA Fred Koe was appointed chairman of the NWT Workers' Compensation Board last week.

He takes over a newly-defined post from Jeff Gilmour who accepted another job with the territorial government.

Koe will assume only the chairman's duties, while general manager Gerry Meier was delegated to assume the chief executive officer duties.

Gilmour handled both roles.

"I'm coming in to basically manage and implement the operations," Koe said. "I'm fortunate to be a part at this time because of the financial situation of the board."

The board is fully-funded with millions of dollars in its accident fund.

Labor and business leaders told Yellowknifer last month they would have liked input on who was selected to chair the WCB.

No formal discussions were held with either group.

"I don't know how my name came to the top of the list, but there are political processes in place," Koe said.

Koe admits he is on a steep learning curve for the next few months, but comes to the position with a good general knowledge of the WCB.

While serving as MLA, Koe was chair of committee that reviewed WCB functions. "That gave me a good introduction into what the board is and what it does," he said.

Koe will chair his first board meeting Dec. 9.