Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for Seniors, I have had discussions with the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and I will continue to do that to make sure that whatever actions we take as a government are done in a measured and coordinated way, and that there is no undue concern caused to any quarter. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, with regard to the meningitis immunization program, the plan now is to do the yearly immunization that are born in the ready age group. We have made the substantial initial investment; now we want to be able to keep it up and move into what is called a universal program where all of the children are protected, and it will be a lot less costly. It would be built into the daily practice through public health in the communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that as of today they are still operational and will continue to provide the services they do in both areas referenced by my colleague. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The comfort we can give the alcohol and drug workers and the mental health workers is the fact that we have invested a considerable amount of money. We have taken the time to work with the communities and the authorities to get a reclassification done that recognizes the value of the work they do. With the appropriate classification, we have raised the pay so they would have the benefit of job security, the benefit of having some qualified clinical supervision, ongoing training, and that commitment is there. It is in the budget, it is in the business plan, and we...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also recognize the members of the Northwest Territories Suicide Prevention Steering Committee in the gallery with us today. They have been meeting in Yellowknife with the trainers for the last two days and are responsible for overseeing the three-week Northwest Territories suicide prevention training program and other territorial suicide prevention. This year, we have with us Sandy Little, the chairperson from Health and Social Services; Hazel Nerysoo from Fort McPherson; Helen Gruben from Tuktoyaktuk; Laura Lennie from Tulita; Judy...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Some jurisdictions had moved prior to the Northwest Territories to do universal immunization programs for meningitis, provinces like Alberta, because of the fact that they had outbreaks. It is a very expensive program, about $40 an immunization. So we did it this year. It came relatively unplanned as a result of the situations in the Sahtu. As the Member noted, we thought it was prudent to do and Cabinet agreed based on our best medical advice. Now we just have to do the annual immunization of the, as they call them, coverts that come through in terms of the age...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe I saw the same letter that the Member did just before I came into the House this afternoon, and I’ve indicated to the staff that I want to talk to the deputy minister about the situation there and get briefed so that we can ensure that there is no diminishment of services in the community, and that we’re flexible enough to accommodate the program deliveries that are in that particular situation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could ask the Member to repeat the last part of the question, I didn’t catch it as he was sitting down. Thank you. I’ll get my earpiece out here.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my information is that the majority of authorities have concluded the discussions, and the majority of the staff in alcohol and drugs, community wellness workers and mental health workers, have agreed to become board authorities and get the benefits and pay of the positions as you would classify them within the government. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is World TB Day. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the work that is being done to fight this disease, and the need for continued vigilance.

Mr. Speaker, the tuberculosis rate in our territory has remained five to 10 times above the national average over the past decade. Since the beginning of this year, five new cases have already been diagnosed, all in elders. The disease spreads through the air and can infect anyone. As Members know, this is very serious.

This morning we were launching a new video called Stop TB. The video is available in all...