In the Legislative Assembly on December 10th, 1991. See this topic in context.

Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Item 5: Oral Questions

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Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Speaker, under section 10(1) of the Workers' Compensation Board, it describes the occupations of hunters and trappers as "principally engaged in hunting and trapping." But under the regulation it also puts a price tag on what that means. In other words a person has to make over $10,000 in order for them to be principally engaged in hunting and trapping. I would like to know why the Minister or the department has chosen to put a price tag on what "principally engaged" means, since the definition does not necessarily restrict it to only money. I think it is a way of life for aboriginal people and I do not think there should be a price tag on it. Why did they decide to put $10,000 on it in order for a hunter or trapper to be eligible for compensation?

Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Item 5: Oral Questions

December 9th, 1991

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The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

I am not sure if that is within the knowledge of the Minister, but if Mr. Patterson would like to attempt it.

Return To Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 30

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure that the definition of "principally engaged in hunting and trapping" is being applied precisely the way the honourable Member suggests; for example, by a dollar figure. However, I would like to explain that, as I understand it, the previous government had made a policy decision that there should be some limits on the definition of "principally engaged in hunting and trapping" because the previous interpretation of the policy had been that the only question that was asked, in order to determine whether a person was principally engaged in hunting and trapping for purposes of being eligible for WCB coverage, the only question that was asked was, "Does this person have a general hunting licence?" I am sure the honourable Member will agree that not every general hunting licence holder is a person who is an active hunter or trapper.

So Mr. Speaker, it was felt that there was a need to give the definition a little more precision because a completely open-ended definition could expose the government to considerable, and perhaps, open-ended kinds of financial obligations.

Mr. Speaker, I will tell the honourable Member that I am aware this issue needs to be paid attention to. I think it is also tied up with the whole question of support for hunters and trappers, which I know the Minister of Renewable Resources is also concerned about dealing with, and I will assure the honourable Member -- I am not trying to take the question as notice -- that it is an issue that I want to pursue in my connection with my new responsibilities for the WCB, but also in consultation with the Minister of Renewable Resources and perhaps other departments of our government that are concerned about this issue.

Return To Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Question O23-12(1): Workers' Compensation For Hunters And Trappers
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 30

The Speaker Michael Ballantyne

Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.