Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for his information. However, he didn't answer my question. The statement he had previously made said that in 1994, territorial air quality guidelines established levels of sulphur dioxide that should not be exceeded, in order to prevent environmental and human health problems. If Giant has to reduce their sulphur dioxide emissions by 90 per cent, I am asking if this means they are presently nine times over the level.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Considering the fact that we're talking about environmental and human health problems, and the fact that Giant Mines has a profit of over $10 million annually, why are they going to be allowed 10 years to reduce their emissions?

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6. oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

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

Mr. Speaker, political interference ... I want to assure my honourable colleague that the WCB and the recent transfer with respect to occupational health and safety will function as it always has; independent of political interference.

Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

179-13(3):Transfer Of

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure on that issue so I'll take the question as notice. Thank you.

The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Finance, in his role as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Division. With the decrease by the federal government to our base of approximately $100 million, does the Minister know what gross expenditure base the federal government will use to determine the two new formula agreements?

Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, we're not aware of what the base will be, but I think it's fair

that certainly I am concerned, as my honourable colleague, that there is a slow erosion of our current base. This question is an extremely important one as we move forward in trying to determine an appropriate process for two new formula agreements. It is the number one priority of myself and my colleagues on Cabinet, and I intend to meet with Mr. Martin, the Minister of Finance, I believe on the 1 4th or 1 5th of this month to try to get some assurances and to try to determine from what base we're going to negotiate two formulas. As you know, with all the debate that's going on and the cuts that we've had to make, any further erosion to the base will mean fewer services and, of course, fewer benefits to both our employees and to the people at large. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in reference to division and the formula agreements, if the transition cost of $117 million is determined to be sufficient, where if any will the shortfall come from?

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we're all aware of the announcement made earlier this week. Considerable debate has taken place both today and yesterday, and I'm sure the future debate is going to take place, with respect to the transitional and incremental costs. It's my understanding in my discussions and our discussions with Mr. Irwin, the $150 million for transitional and incremental costs; that's it. There are no additional costs at this time. That was my understanding of it. I suspect what will happen, Mr. Speaker, is that any additional costs required or any shortfall required will have to come out of the formula agreements that we have to arrange with the federal government. That's why this issue of the formula financing agreements for two new territories is of the utmost importance and priority to this government and to this Assembly. Thank you.