Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The standing

committee considered the fact that aboriginal persons engaged in traditional artisanship are not eligible for compensation under the Workers' Compensation Act. Generally these are individuals who are self-employed and work within a home environment. Yet the risk of occupational disease arising from the inhalation of soapstone dust or work place accidents is not inconsequential.

Motion To Accept Recommendation 23, Carried

I move that this committee recommends that the legislative action paper include a consideration of programs which could be established under the authority of the Workers' Compensation Board and/or the Department of Culture and Communications regarding the compensation of aboriginal artists and carvers injured or disabled as a result of their work.