Daryl Dolynny

I could dissect our Pharmacare program ad nauseam with my two decades of private practice and advocacy on this topic. So let me just say that in a 2012 review of policy options prepared by the Alberta Blue Cross, it was noted that this NIHB formulary did not align with coverage in many provincial jurisdictions including Alberta and, of course, our own NWT Extended Health Benefits Program. Add all this up, the GNWT continues to still use a flawed, square design to deal with a round hole when it comes to those who cannot afford their medication.

So yes, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions later...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Tabled Document 188-17(5), NWT Main Estimates 2015-2016, and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We’ll turn it over to Ms. Bisaro for the wish of the committee. Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Again, continuing on with general comments, I have Mr. Moses.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Continuing on with general comments, I have Mr. Bouchard.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Does committee agree?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Things are moving slowly. Issues and concerns surrounding the efficiency of our current Extended Health Benefits Program are well-enshrined in this House.

As I indicated earlier, the Minister has been acting in office for 585 days, has had ample time to review this file and has made unfulfilled promises to committee and to its residents.

Can the Minister indicate how many more days he needs to implement a proper catastrophic drug plan for all Northerners? Thank you.

I do appreciate the Minister reminding us about this pharmaceutical strategy that had not ever come to light here in the Assembly. It is not the panacea for all the solutions to the questions today.

So with that, in 2010 the honourable Minister Abernethy, in his former capacity as a Regular Member, recommended that the GNWT create a benefits plan for low-income families that do not have prescription drug coverage. The Minister responsible has been acting in this capacity for the past 585 days.

Can he inform the House if he has made good on his very own recommendation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce, to you and through you, a resident of Range Lake, Ms. Candace Johnson, and of course all participants of the NWT Campaign School. Good luck this weekend; have fun. Of course, the NWT Status of Women Council, great job for hosting. Good luck with that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By all accounts, it’s estimated that 10 to 25 percent of our Canadian population is uninsured or underinsured for prescription drugs. When unforeseen illnesses, disability and medical complication strike, this portion of the population is vulnerable to financial hardship. In essence, those unable to afford these drug costs are placed in serious situations of life or death.

To put in perspective where drug costs are going, just last week I saw a bill for a new Hep C drug, called Harvoni, for the 12-week therapy of $92,000. Shocking, I know.

Efforts both nationally and...