Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Luckily for us, the communities nearby usually come to the rescue and do provide services and we have to recognize the fact that municipal governments and health authorities are absorbing the costs as they come about for both Hay River and Inuvik. I believe they are covered by the health authority and the level of cost that’s being absorbed by health authorities, either health authorities or municipal governments, are very different and that’s what I mean by a patchwork approach that’s being done that we need to look at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is well known that we continue to experience pressures in all of our communities, especially in small communities, in terms of being able to recruit and retain our nursing staff and other health care professionals. I do remember most recently that there were even more pressures in the community of Tsiigehtchic. The Beaufort-Delta Health Authority has, they try to do their best to respond to coverage necessary and the communication plan and I think until we can staff that community with nurses, that’s what we have to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I could advise the House that the situation on this file is as it was in the last Assembly. There was a comprehensive study done on this issue and the work is being done between MACA and Health and Social Services to enhance what we have now and to be able to expand as the resources permit. So, Mr. Speaker, it is under progress between the two departments and I would be happy to update the Members of the Assembly on where we are with that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the space issues at the hospital I acknowledge impact on the treatment services for the patients as well as for staff. It’s something that’s been brought up, I believe, in the latest human resource review process. I have visited the facility recently, as Minister, and I can attest to that fact as well. I can advise the Member, Mr. Speaker, that there has been an RFP issued to look at the space issues and the report of that RFP, the contract work done, we’re hoping will be concluded by April of next year. They’ve been asked to focus specifically on...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have a specific number of patients with diabetes that require dialysis services in Deh Cho. I know there is most definitely a need to have that service in Simpson and we are working to make that happen in Simpson in that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do understand the desire on the part of the Member and the community to be able to provide services to the seniors in their local community as much as possible. I am committed to that. I am reviewing the programs we have to see how we can accommodate that. I have also had conversations with the chief of Deninu Kue and the Member extensively. I hope to get to the community soon and look at all options available to see how we can accommodate seniors in that community as much as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will make my commitment to work my best to make sure that it doesn’t stay on the back of the line. I just don’t know exactly what part of the front line it is at. I will provide the information to the Member. I just can’t remember which year it is at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess a flux is not a good word in the capital planning process. I am sorry. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that project was in the books as a renovation project. It is moving toward being a new facility just because some parts of that building are about 40 years old and other parts are about 30 years old. There is a review being done as to whether or not it is more economical to make it into a new capital building or renovate. I think the information I am getting is that we are moving towards it being a new capital project. Thank you, Mr...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is well aware that this capital project has to be approved by Members. It will go forward. He will be advised as such. When we do plan the sod turning ceremony, I will make sure to invite him so that he can be there along with us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I have to tell you, I don’t really know what it is that he is talking about. I think he is talking about aftercare program. I state that, again, Mr. Speaker, that is an important part of addiction strategy and mental health issue. I am willing to work on that. If the Member wants to provide me with any information that he would like me to look at, I would be happy to look at that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.