Robert Bouchard

I think the longer that somebody is obese the more likely it’s going to cost the system, and cost the system in different ways. As I indicated, I was a big cost on the system before with insulin and large volumes of Metformin a requirement.

As I indicated, the department will receive its money back quickly on bariatric surgery by reducing the amount of medication required. Has the Minister looked into the cost recovery process due to weight loss done by bariatric surgery? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about the bariatric surgery and my current situation. I have questions for the Minister of Health. I guess I’m basically looking for direction from the Minister of Health. Why does the GNWT not pay for bariatric surgery?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to revisit an issue I’ve brought forward to this House before, bariatric surgery. As Members know, over the last two years I’ve been working hard to lose weight. I’ve lost just over 200 pounds.

---Applause

I appreciate that, but I’m working to pay it forward to the people that are still in the situation where they are seriously overweight. In my discussions with the Minister of Health and the Department of Health, they’ve told me the department is working on lifestyle choices, healthy lifestyle choices, and that they have lots of support out there for...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge Ralph Sanguez, who received the 2013 Premier’s Individual Award. He’s a hardworking employee for MACA, a strong representative of our local fire department, and soon to be a proud father. I’d like to wish him and Shannon good luck with the birth of their child.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we sit in here today, over 1,000 youth throughout the Northwest Territories are converging on Hay River at the 23rd Annual Track and Field.

There are 33 teams representing 16 communities. Obviously, Hay River, Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Nahanni Butte, Wrigley, Fort Good Hope, Rae-Edzo, Colville Lake, Fort Providence, Fort Res, Fort Liard, Jean Marie, Inuvik, Kakisa and Ndilo.

It is with great honour that we represent the Northwest Territories and host these youth. We wish them all the best of luck.

The youth are at different levels. Some are there just to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you indicated, this is a big day today. I would like to thank the Premier, Cabinet Ministers and my colleagues here for all the hard work on this topic and all of the MLAs that came before us that have worked on this topic.

I will be supporting this motion. I support devolution, and devolution will give Northerners control over northern issues.

I believe that devolution will bring jobs from Ottawa to the North, and this Assembly has committed to putting those positions out into the communities and out into the regions. Devolution will bring us 60 or 70 million dollars...

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ralph Sanquez, one of my constituents. I would also like to recognize Jack Rowe, resident of Hay River, and also Nicole Latour, former resident of Hay River and her mom is a constituent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Bill 22, Territorial Emblems and Honours Act, be read for the second time.

Bill 22 provides the adoption of the official emblems of the Northwest Territories and the establishment of the Order of the Northwest Territories. The bill also repeals the Flag Act and the Full Emblem Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to also speak on NGOs. I’d like to thank the members of the Government Operations for bringing this mini theme day forward. It is a very important issue, especially out in the communities.

We are very concerned about the level of funding that’s being provided. As my colleague indicated, one of the community groups in Hay River definitely would want to receive some funding, but have limited success getting funding from the territorial government.

There are many organizations out in the communities that need this type of funding. Some of them are new organizations...

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 36(2) and have Bill 22, Territorial Emblems and Honours Act, moved into Committee of the Whole.

---Unanimous consent granted