Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, on the matter of gathering information on wildlife habitat, I believe that the question is not concerning reason or necessity to have that information and as much detailed information as possible, but more towards a method of how we are retrieving the information as it relates to the use of tracking collars. It is not my understanding that there is going to be a change. I know there is a limited use of collars for the purpose of tracking wildlife. However, I know in other areas there is quite a bit of interaction between aboriginal people, traditional knowledge and scientists. What I would do is relay the concern of the honourable Member to the Minister of Renewable Resources and have a report of what the future plans are in using tracking collars on moose. I would also suggest that perhaps if the honourable Member's area is not as inclined to coordinate activities between traditional knowledge and clinical scientists' knowledge, I will ask the Minister to deal with the honourable Member to see what can be done. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The main concern with regard to the hunters, trappers and elders of the community is that it is not necessary to burden animals with equipment that is not part of their nature or habitat. It really bothers the elders that we allow things like that to happen. As a politician, even I cannot understand why we should be doing that.

One other thing I was also told, Mr. Speaker, from the meeting was that animals were being tranquillized and in some cases -- I do not know whether they died of shock or overdosage -- the bison that were tranquillized died. I would like to ask the Minister whether or not she will look into those cases and find out why those animals have died. If it is because of an overdose, I think people should know about it.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I will incorporate that further concern to the question to the Minister of Renewable Resources and to the department in his absence. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 5, Oral Questions. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister responsible for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. It is in respect to N.W.T.P.C. Mr. Speaker, at some point in time the Minister did indicate that they were taking a study, or they completed their study, on bringing a power line around the lake and did not deem it to be feasible. They were considering possibly a cable line straight across the lake for the excess power that has been generated from Taltson as a result of the closure of Pine Point. Can the Minister indicate to me whether or not the study has been completed? Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member is quite correct in saying that there have been two considerations in terms of using the excess power from Fort Smith. Both proposals have been brought forward and both are to do with the amount that it would cost. It really did not equate very well in terms of allowing power to be delivered at a less expensive rate. As a result, both studies have shown the cost of bringing power around the lake or across the lake is excessive. Therefore, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation will be pursuing, with the Town of Fort Smith, other uses of that excess power such as electrical heating or other uses rather than having the power waste away. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. In Fort Smith there are many different institutions that are owned by the government. So is the Minister indicating that the government will consider the current buildings to be converted to another form of heating system such as electrical heat? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, that is the intention.

Thank you. Supplementary, Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be able to indicate when they will be making their final decision in regard to this issue of what they will do with this excess power that is available in Fort Smith from the Taltson hydro system? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I will take that as notice. I know that we have put a time frame on it, but I cannot exactly say what that time frame is. I will get back to the honourable Member as soon as I can.

The question has been taken as notice. Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. The Minister knows, as it has been discussed for the last two or three days, about the average 12 per cent increase in employers' assessment rates and the imposition of approximately 24 to 25 per cent for certain northern industries. He knows that it will have a significant impact on the private sector and, indeed, our entire economy. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister inform this House whether or not he has been assured by the board that there will be no increases in their administrative budget and no increases in their PYs for the 1993-94 fiscal year?

Thank you. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no I cannot provide that assurance.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Todd.

Can the Minister indicate to us then what the additional administrative costs are going to be, what additional PYs are required for the Workers' Compensation Board and what they intend to do?