Kevin A. Menicoche

Just in terms of decentralization, I guess, I would just like to ask the Minister a question about potential decentralization of these positions. Of course, I see them all in headquarters. As we move along, I know we’re still in discussions about phase 2 of decentralization, so I was wondering if there was any inkling or if there’s a need for having regional positions in this department. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I’ll just start off that I know all our departments are really re-evaluating positions because of the committee’s concerns. I’d just like to know more about these 44 positions and exactly if there are any vacant ones there, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

I noticed the increase of seven positions over last year, and it looks like all seven went to Yellowknife. Can the Minister explain why Yellowknife got seven more positions this coming year?

Thank you very much. So, just in terms of the 118 of the regional allocation, how many of them are currently filled?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just want to get back to the first issue. Many, many of our seniors are falling and fracturing bones. I think that our medical health system should pay attention to that.

So, I’d like to ask the Minister once again, how can the department do this? The family wants to be sure that people do not get hurt and misdiagnosed and lay at home for three days. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

My constituency has all small and remote communities. The Minister is talking about a protocol. I would also like to raise the issue of getting medical attention through medevacs should be part of that protocol, because had my constituent been medevaced immediately for a proper and thorough examination, I don’t feel that she would have gone through this pain.

Also, in fact, why aren’t we doing proper medical examinations at our local health centres? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I stand before the House today dismayed and frustrated. The reason: yet another failing of our health system. A family in Fort Simpson wanted me to raise this issue so no one has to go through this, and I hope we can learn from our mistakes.

This most recent case happened on Wednesday, February 5th, when a Fort Simpson elder slipped and fell in her home. She was taken by ambulance to the health centre, where two X-rays were taken. The first was blurry, so a second one was taken. Not seeing any obvious break, the doctor sent her home with a prescription of...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I thought I had seen a larger number of increases over last year, but its $50,000. While I’m asking, maybe I can ask the Minister why there’s an increase of $50,000 over last year.

Also, seeing an increase of two positions to Yellowknife headquarters, maybe they can detail what those positions are.

There will definitely be an increase in the workload for Human Resources staff and headquarters, I guess. Why is there not an increase in the workload in the regions? Why are they all posted here? Also, because of increasing the workload for the need for devolution, are these positions being paid for from the devolution funds or are they all just new money from the government?