Glen Abernethy

That is the intention. We intend to have a plan outlining the services and whatnot that are provided today and identifying any gaps in services we need to provide, as well as an opportunity to have mechanisms to evaluate as we move forward.

We deliver NIHB on behalf of the federal government. It is a federal government program, and the timing of the negotiations really depends on the speed that they wish to move forward. We're already engaged. I, unfortunately, can't tell you when these negotiations conclude. The end date is somewhat mobile or somewhat flexible, based on the intensity of some of the negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Mind and Spirit: Promoting Mental Health and Addictions Recovery in the Northwest Territories," and "Building a Culturally Respectful Health and Social Services System, October 2016." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I really want to say yes, but it really depends on the nature of the condition on which the person is presenting. If it is a condition where they need to see a GP, but they don't need to see a GP today or tomorrow or even next week, it could be rescheduled for their own community, for when the GP is coming in. If the individual is presenting with a more serious condition that needs immediate attention, it could be that they are referred to a specialist or a particular type of practitioner in Yellowknife. If that particular type of practitioner exists in Hay River, conceivably they could be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we finalize all the details needed to move forward incorporating all the different components of the health system into one authority as part of health transformation, residents will be able to go anywhere in the Northwest Territories that they choose to go for health services. So, if we have residents in Fort Resolution who wish to see a doctor in Hay River, there's nothing stopping them from doing that.

We do encourage people to go to their local provider first. For example, somebody in Fort Resolution, if they're looking for health services, should obviously go to...

Mr. Speaker, when spending public funds, it's important that we make sure that we're spending funds effectively, getting bang for buck, that we're getting maximum benefit for every penny that we spend. We need to look at how we're spending the dollars today. We need to make sure that we're spending them appropriately. If possible, we need to reprofile our funds within the existing home care services to make sure that we are getting those benefits.

I can't say when we would be asking for additional funds because I don't know what degree or amount of funds are needed at this point. The normal...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, homecare services that are provided to individuals are based on clinical need or direction from a physician on the types of services that an individual will require. Conceivably, those can change over time. Without knowing the details of the individual case, I certainly can't answer why one individual might have a reduction in their services.

I would encourage the individual who has had the reduction to talk to their practitioner to see what can be done and whether or not the homecare that's provided is meeting the clinical needs of the patient. Thank you...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few years there has been an increased understanding and awareness that in Canada there is a disparity between the health status of Indigenous people and other Canadians. Acknowledging this reality forces us to confront difficult issues, including the legacies of colonization and the residential school system, and the fact that mainstream institutions have often not served Indigenous people effectively.

We must confront these issues if we are going to change. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action challenge us to acknowledge that the...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake that Bill 13, The Marriage Act, be read for the second time. This bill sets out the rules for governing marriages in the Northwest Territories. It sets out eligibility, the requirements and the process for getting married in both civil and religious ceremonies. It also creates prohibitions and offences. Lastly, it provides for administrative measures such as the appointment of registration of officials, authorizes the making of regulations and, consequently, amends the Vital Statistics Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to services currently provided in Hay River, I believe those agreements are already in place; I will confirm that for the Member. As far as medical travel, medical travel will cover any of our northern residents if they are referred to a service in a different community. If they are referred to a service that is in Hay River, and it has to be a service that is in Hay River, medical travel would apply obviously. If the service is not available in Hay River, medical travel would apply to the point where it is available recognizing our protocols. Our agreements are with...