Mr. Speaker, if I may, I have another question from Mr. Koe with respect to WCB rates for taxi drivers and staff.

Again, employers are classified on the basis of the industry in which they operate, rather than the occupations of their employees. Dispatchers support the taxi industry and are charged the same rate as taxi drivers.

Prior to 1995, taxi drivers were charged a flat rate of $365 per car. Claims costs arising from the taxi industry were charged to subclass 53, and the assessment is ground transportation. The board of directors asked that a review be undertaken to determine if taxi operations were paying their own way.

From 1990 to 1994, the revenue collected from the taxi industry was $69,184 compared to $435,964 spent on claims. It was apparent that taxi operations played a major role in the rate of subclass 53 rising from $3.25 per $100 in 1990, to $6.25 per $100 in 1994. The board of directors made the decision to charge taxis and dispatchers the same rate as all other employers in subclass 53. This decision resulted in a rate increase of $1.75 per $100 assessable payroll for all employers in subclass 53. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.