Tom Beaulieu

Thank you. The Department of Health in the Northwest Territories is involved with this and had been involved, but this is a relatively new development and we know that that airport could be a viable alternative to the International, but we know that it also requires upgrades and we do believe that it warrants full consideration. Thank you.

This very important item for the department is part of our overall prevention strategy. We have had discussions at a national level on childhood obesity which leads to diabetes among other things. Not only is this something that we are paying attention to in the Northwest Territories, but really it is a national issue. We are all on board and we all want to see a decrease in diabetes. It is a very bad disease. Many people have died from diabetes in the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although the department and the Government of the Northwest Territories has no official role with the Alberta government in these deliberations, we do understand preliminary discussions have occurred between the government and the Department of National Defence on the possibility of using the Namao strip, which is the Garrison strip. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The home care people will work with the feet of elders, especially elders with diabetes and so on and also trying to work with programs such as advising people with diabetes on activity and also diet. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The closure of the Joe Greenland building coincides with the government’s plan to provide long-term care where the care can be provided best, where there were services available with doctors and nurses and so on. However, with the closure of the Joe Greenland building, the department has increased their support for elders in the community as well.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The health authorities had run diabetes programs and so on. I recognize that recently a diabetes program was shut down, but the services right now are basically in consultation with the health professionals in the various communities in the Sahtu at this time. That is what is available.

Yes, as I said to the other Member asking questions, yes, we will take an active role in this process. Thank you.

The intention was to look at this right away. The direction has been given to the department through the deputy minister and other senior management to look at this policy, and if I know the department and senior management well, I am expecting some drafts soon. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time the various health and social services authorities approach this from different angles. We don’t have a standard policy across the board from the various health and social services authorities at this time on handling the area of compassion.

Yes, as I indicated earlier, we feel that this airport at Garrison deserves, warrants full consideration and I will ensure that the Department of Health does fully consider this as a viable option for landing.