Jane Groenewegen

Committee, I’d like to call us back to order, please. We are on the Department of Health and Social Services. I’d like to ask the Minister if he would like to bring witnesses into the Chamber. Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Does the committee agree?

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Ms. DeLancey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s very discouraging to hear, because I don’t think the department was on their game on the implementation of this new health care card system. I’m particularly worried about students that maybe hold NWT health care cards but they’re down in Alberta or someplace else, that this Minister is now telling us in this House that they would not receive services. I could see in the Northwest Territories people probably know people and it would be a lot easier, but I’m particularly worried about people outside of the territory who have birthdates early on in the year...

Thank you, Ms. DeLancey. Minister Beaulieu.

Because this is a new system and the expiry coincides with people’s birthdates, I would like to ask the Minister if there is a grace period that’s being extended to someone. If they show up at any kind of a medical service provider and their health care card is expired, will they still be provided services without having to apply for them and then be reimbursed or anything like that? Is there a grace period?

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder how many people in our territory know that they have to renew their health care card. I just asked that because that is the new system that has been adopted by our Health department. It is now up to everyone to check the expiry date on their health care card and apply for a new one a few months in advance. The form is available on the Health and Social Services website, and at nursing stations and medical clinics.

I know there has been some advertising about this, and postcards to remind people to renew are being sent out, but old habits die hard. No doubt there...

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Next on my list is Mr. Yakeleya.