Jackie Jacobson

Mr. Speaker, my people in my riding don’t see doctors probably within six months, say, for Sachs Harbour. I have two elders sitting in Edmonton in the hospital because of not being seen properly and it being dragged out.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that recent developments of the H1N1 swine flu shows how fast it can affect people and, God forbid, communities, Mr. Speaker, and given other medical conditions deteriorate in a matter of months, will the government commit to providing double the doctor visits and detailed in policies with the Minister of Health and Social Services in our small and remote communities? I’m not just talking about Nunakput, Mr. Speaker, I’m talking about the Beaufort-Delta and Nahendeh and Tu Nedhe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most residents of the Northwest Territories, when they get sick, they go see a doctor. Many times people are given the standard advice when they develop symptoms of illness: consult with your family physician. But in Nunakput, doctors’ visits are few and far between. Sometimes it can go as long as six or seven months, Mr. Speaker. That’s not acceptable.

Compounded by another issue that is equally important, especially during the H1N1 swine flu developments, are that our nurses diagnose patients, and if in their opinion the situation warrants, then a patient will be...

Can the Minister inform this House if MACA is monitoring the situation in Sachs Harbour?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is on the project management and community centre construction in Sachs Harbour.

Sachs Harbour heard their funding was confirmed for the construction of the community centre. There was hope and optimism in the air. When the construction started and finished last December, the community was very excited. One year later it is problem after problem and the project keeps the doors closed for the community.

When the NWT fire marshal inspected the facility, he gave it a failing grade and he did not approve it for general public use. Last December...

I would like to thank the Minister and her department for working so fast in the southern part of the Territory. I see now it is moving ahead to the communities. I just would like to see and make sure that the H1N1 for the communities, people are really scared and that their staff get out there and let them know that they are working on it to get everybody inoculated and to go on from there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday in my Member’s statement I was speaking about the H1N1 virus that is happening right now across the globe. Listening today on CBC Radio, I was listening to one of my elders from Ulukhaktok, a well-respected elder, Robert Kuptana. I would like to ask the Minister today if she could clarify if there is a vaccine in the community of Ulukhaktok and what time they are going to start vaccinating the elders and the kids in the schools. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, given that in the small, remote community of Sachs Harbour the community centre is a focal point, and given that on the last date of December the community centre was transferred to the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour even though much work was still needed, will this government commit to assisting the community of Sachs Harbour with the resources they need to complete the facility in time for the Christmas celebrations?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement was on the community complex in Sachs Harbour. Mr. Speaker, is the Minister aware of the issues regarding the Sachs Harbour community complex?

That is good to hear. My elders in Ulukhaktok won’t have to worry so much about their grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement yesterday, I spoke about the timelines for Tuk and Paulatuk and Sachs. I hope the Minister’s department is seeking to get the vaccine into the communities a lot sooner than within two weeks. That is what the dates in the community are saying. I would like to ask the Minister if she could make sure that the dates are moved up a lot quicker, hopefully by Monday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.