Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few years, I have spoken to the Minister of Infrastructure with concerns about our ferry service. In the past, we have seen lower water levels, which have caused disruption to the services. I have reached out to the Minister of Infrastructure numerous times to talk about different options, such as moving the ferry line and looking at various options across the river and potential bridge options. I realize some of these options are not feasible at this time. However, this year, we are seeing low water levels already, a very different break-up, and we could...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, too, will be supporting this motion. What we are looking at for a full-time person is about $3,200 a year up, to a family, which is about $5,100 a year, but it comes out of our constituent assistants, or our budgets, which actually are coming out of their help in this, and it is very much needed. We are competing with other jobs that do have benefits that are needed for people to work, and we would like to be able to keep good quality people in place and give them these benefits, as well, so I think this is a good solution to that issue. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Minister for that education. I didn't know nurses were, you know, licensed. I never knew that, but I thank him for that answer here today. I understand that, but, when all we are hearing is "Tylenol, Tylenol, Tylenol," that is an issue. I have other questions about the policies and practice around Tylenol and similar drugs. There have been a lot of studies about how racial face affects how healthcare professionals deliver services, even when they are found to be unconsciously, for instance underestimating the Indigenous people's account or experience of pain. How is the department...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up on my Member's statement to the Minister of Health and Social Services. First off, I know the department has been doing a lot of work with communities, especially on cultural safety. What kind of questions and concerns has the department heard about the use of Tylenol or similar drugs in their own health centres, including issues like the one raised by my colleague from Mackenzie Delta, where people are getting sent home with a few pills? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answer. The cultural safety that his department is doing, I think it is great. I honestly believe we as a government should all be doing that, but I understand we're trying to work to make sure it works well before moving it on. Now, I know the Minister has talked about this a lot, but it's important for people to know, so I think it's worth hearing again. If people feel that they're not getting the care they need at their local health centres, where can they bring their concerns? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought I was moving to another region. I am glad we got that cleared up.

I agree with the Minister, but sometimes they don't feel comfortable in bringing it forth, and we have been trying to work with the Minister on those types of things, and I thank him for this information. Mr. Speaker, what policies or other rules are in place to make sure health centre staff do some basic safety checks for all distributing of Tylenol or other similar drugs? For example, I am asking about alcohol use, liver health, and other factors that may affect dosage.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. About a month ago my colleague from Mackenzie Delta talked about healthcare in our small communities. He mentioned something that I've heard about before myself; people bringing their concerns to the health centre, only to get sent home with Tylenol pills. It left me wondering not only if people are getting the care they need, but if they're getting the advice they need when it comes to drugs like Tylenol?

Because Tylenol is a common brand and easy to get, and because it's not like other kinds of painkillers like Advil or Motrin, which can hurt the stomach, you might...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I greatly appreciate the Minister for all of his answers to this point. I just have to share one compliment that I just received yesterday from a constituent who said, "We have got to be thankful that we have these world-class services available to us." Again, to the staff out there, thank you very much for the work that you are doing. With this website and that, is it available for the public, or is it just internally? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister gave a very long answer, and it actually took some of my questions on the way. I know that I can't ask any more, but I will anyway. With this feedback that they have received, does the department develop it to help promote best practices to help train other staff or even new staff coming in?

Mr. Speaker, when family members or you require medical care, it is often a very stressful and pressure-filled time of uncertainty. During these times, we are required to place our complete trust and confidence on our physicians and/or the staff at our local health centres in the various hospitals that we use. Once health has been restored, many forget the long hours the medical staff work and the amount of commitment it takes to care for us and our loved ones.

All medical staff appreciate a letter of thanks. This is favourably received, as it expresses appreciation and gratitude for the...