Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Legislation implementing a program for hunters' and trappers

' coverage through the Workers' Compensation Board was implemented without any real anticipation of what the program would cost. The policy and legislation that was put in place, which covered all general hunting licence holders, was very generous. It essentially ended up providing coverage for individuals at a level far in excess of their normal incomes, even counting the value of country food.

Mr. Speaker, therefore, because of the very high costs which were being borne directly by the Department of Renewable Resources, it was unfortunately necessary to come up with a more restrictive policy. In recognition of this, a new policy was developed, which I understand the Member is concerned about. The policy is based on the value of hunting and trapping and sets a level of $10,000.

Mr. Speaker, because it is a complicated matter, I propose to present to this House early next week, along with my colleague, the Minister of Renewable Resources, a comprehensive statement on the background to this hunters' and trappers' coverage, where we are at, and why changes had to be made. I hope that that will give me an opportunity to give Members all the background so that this program and its evolution can be better understood.

I also suggested to caucus that a briefing would be a very good opportunity for MLAs to ask the chairman of the Workers' Compensation Board themselves for a briefing on that program and other issues that may be on their minds. I am hoping that we can soon arrange an in-depth briefing for MLAs on this issue and others. Thank you.