Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are the last funding agency left with APYS as far as we know. The Nunavut government and the Alberta government have taken steps to relocate their clients for the issues that have been discussed for some time now. Mr. Speaker, we have arranged alternate placements. At the end of the day, as adults, if they refuse to move, we will work with them to ensure that they are connected to Alberta Health and Social Services, that they take advantage of the services that are available within the city and provided by the Alberta government. We will also be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories, like the other 12 provincial jurisdictions will all be getting their lists ready for post-June 28th when we know who in fact the government in the land will be at the federal level. So I can assure the Member that the issue he has raised in this House is one that is on our list and we will be moving on that when we, once again, know who the government of the day will be at the federal level. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had discussions with Minister McLellan before she moved from her portfolio, with Minister Pettigrew, about the possibility of moving those people from the northern secretariat who administer programs in the health area on behalf of the people in the Northwest Territories to the North. At this point they are only discussions, but the intent across the board is as we look at devolution in talking with DIAND and in talking with Health Canada is to have those services and programs that are administered by federal civil servants as close to the people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we look at the needs of the clients. The clients who are sent to southern facilities, it’s done because they have a lot of needs, in many cases needs that are not able to be met in the Northwest Territories or at the facilities we have, we have no more room. So, Mr. Speaker, we have committed to look at the particular situation of clients who are down there, and the possibility of repatriation both for the long term and short term. We will be very cognizant of the issue of the cultural and northern component. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a department, as a health and social services system, we are looking at how we do business on a constant basis. This issue with Alberta clients in Edmonton has brought a particular component of that system into close scrutiny. As I indicated to the Member this morning and in our meetings, we are prepared to look at the repatriation in the short term of those who are able, and in the longer term of those who have higher needs. We will also be looking at how we, as a system, can provide the service in the North, keep the dollars in the North, and address...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated as well this morning, we commit to keeping the concerned parties in this situation fully apprised of the events as they unfold. Once the transitions are made, we will continue to monitor very closely and continue to provide that same information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this particular situation is being monitored very closely. We’ve been working with the lay dispenser in Colville Lake. There has been close contact with Inuvik and there will continue to be, and they are mapping out the medical requirements to ensure that there is proper follow-up and that the required staff are in the community when they are needed for as long as they are needed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will make that commitment. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the full particulars of the individual case that the Member is mentioning, but I would be glad to commit to check into the questions that he does have so that we can make sure that it is addressed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, working with the Housing Corporation, needs assessments are done on an ongoing basis. We have a range of programs that are available. There are housing needs across the territory. We are looking at 10 new units here in Yellowknife in addition to the range of programs that seniors are eligible for, that I have already listed, Mr. Speaker. We recognize, as well, that as another program area, there are probably more problems and needs than there are resources. We believe we have a selection of services and resources available here that would help address...