Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee wishes to deliberate Human Resources, Public Works and Services, and Education, Culture and Employment.

During my Member’s statement I spoke about the case that I’m talking about. He’s an Aboriginal elder. I know that in our treaties it says that health is going to be taken care of for our people. We do it many ways. The people that aren’t even elders get covered by Health Canada. Why are our Aboriginal elders being charged full fare at the long-term care centres?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my questions about the rate increases to long-term care room and board. It’s something that has been going on for awhile within Health and Social Services. I’d just like to find out a bit more about it and ask the Minister exactly what these charges are for and what they do with the money.

Yes, I’m good.

So my particular concern is in the Deh Cho where it showed seven positions last year. The Minister is saying there are six positions showing on the books this year but it’s still seven people working, or was that a virtual person?

Thank you very much. That’s good.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. If I could just ask you to slow down a bit there, Madam Chair, if you don’t mind.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister is opening up a whole different area and I’d certainly like to ask more questions and debate this further. I’d like to ask him to review the situation. My question is: How does the treaty impact our Aboriginal seniors that are in long-term care and why are they paying fees?

I raise the issue that a senior went into long-term care and is charged the full rate of $746 and he still has a house and a spouse to take care of. How is the department taking these types of situations into consideration?

I’m pleased that our government is taking action on this. I believe that if the Premier can raise more specifically the Nahanni National Park Reserve, the operations, the future plans. Like I said, as far as I know right now they’re just affecting seasonal operations, but long-term plans, I’m concerned because we have lots of young people that have been hired by our parks system in Fort Simpson, and hopefully they’ll stay in that system and stay in the communities.