The concern I had when this bill was introduced was that the bill proposes to cut deemed income earned by hunters and trappers by 55 per cent, from $47,500 to $24,000. But we don't change clause 10(1)(c), which says "independent operator principally engaged." That is not changed in the act. The only change, according to the Minister, is in the policy which says, "the board will then apply in more liberal criteria." I hope that the officers or adjudicators who deal with claims do apply more liberal interpretation of what is eligible and what is not eligible. I know the policy has been set out, but there have been a lot of cases where people didn't qualify because of the kind of day an adjudicator is having. There have been many appeals and issues raised by some of my colleagues and myself on claimants who felt they were eligible, but didn't get covered. So I hope the combination of these amendments and a policy change would provide the benefit more fairly and equitably to hunters and trappers across the north. I wouldn't mind seeing the amended policy so I can pass it out to some of my constituents who are concerned. Mahsi.
Fred Koe on Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
In the Legislative Assembly on March 1st, 1994. See this statement in context.
Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Workers' Compensation Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 1st, 1994
Page 457
Fred Koe Inuvik
See context to find out what was said next.