Madam Speaker, I haven't been consulted in that regard. Although there will be a meeting soon of chairpersons of financial management boards or treasury boards, and Art Eggleton will be in the chair, that's

one of the issues that we will be raising with him is warning him about submissions that may come across his desk with regard to the Northwest Territories and the changes that are taking place. So I would raise it in that particular forum, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Thanks, Madam Speaker. I've been asked by a constituent to raise this issue. I recognize that the WCB is an arm's-length agency, but I would like to ask the Minister since the bulk of the taxis in the Northwest Territories are situated right here in the capital city and since they're very unhappy and they seem to have a tremendous impact on our political life in this city, I would like to ask the Minister whether he's aware that this group, in fact, has been severely affected by an increase in the cost of the WCB.

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, I'm aware that there has been a significant assessment being done on this particular category in the WCB.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Since to most of us, Madam Speaker, taxi drivers drive in an area where they don't go over 30 clicks an hour in the city, and they sit down all day in their vehicles putting in long hours, I would like to ask the Minister what is the risk, then, that has resulted in this significant increase to the premiums?

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Todd.

I don't have the specific details, Madam Speaker, but assessments, historically and currently, and reassessments are done based upon rate of accidents and the compensation that comes out of that particular category. I could provide the honourable Member, later on this week, with a more detailed briefing on this matter, but that's the normal process. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Acting Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, as the Member said in his statement, recognition across the country is being made of traditional aboriginal health care. There has been some work done by the department. When I was formerly the Minister of Health, I had discussions with physicians in this regard. I'm not sure what the status is at the present time, Madam Speaker, so I'll take the question as notice and get back to the House. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you again, Madam Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Finance regarding the payroll tax of Dene Nation. I guess my interest is with regard to what legal authority the government has to compel the Dene Nation to register.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, I have the legal authority of this House and the piece of legislation that they passed, the Payroll Tax Act of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Madam Speaker, with regard to reference to the constitutionality of the Payroll Tax as it relates to the Dene Nation, I would like to ask whether or not the Minister has sought legal opinion under the Legal Opinions Act, I think it's called.

Mr. Gargan, you're requesting to determine somewhat of a legal opinion. Can I ask you to rephrase your question? I know you're not attempting to ask for a legal opinion, but it's coming across as if you are. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, under our existing legislation I think the government can ask for a legal opinion on the constitutionality of anything. In this case, I'm asking whether or not our payroll tax, as it relates to the Dene Nation, doesn't violate anything. I'm just asking the Minister whether or not, under our Legal Opinions Act, I think it's called, the government has sought anything under that act.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Madam Speaker, I've sought opinions from our tax people within the Department of Finance. I've had an opinion from Justice. I've sought advice from Mr. Irwin, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs. And that advice is telling me that I can proceed with the tax on the Dene Nation, there is no reason not to do so. Madam Speaker, I would respectfully suggest that if we proceed and Mr. Erasmus is not happy with our procedure -- and he knows, we've discussed it -- that he's able to take this matter to court, say they won't pay and seek a ruling from the court. Mr. Erasmus and myself have talked about that, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.