Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today on the MRSA or the drug resistant bacteria or the super bug cases that have been announced in a press release in the Tlicho region. I am concerned about how Health and Social Services will manage this not only in this region but all of them, Mr. Speaker.
I have had constituents impacted in the past and typically Health and Social Services has indicated that occurrences are no more than other jurisdictions. Now we find that we have a region that is severely impacted. Overcrowding and poverty is listed as a cause of contributing to this. In my riding, Mr. Speaker, I have the very same conditions and would like to ask what is being done to have a publicity campaign or monitor my communities to observe any increases of this bacteria.
I am glad that NWT health authorities have had a press release with this information. This super bug has gone up by 50 percent in each of the past three years, with 99 in last year alone and 18 cases in the NWT since January 1, 2010. I would like to see a public campaign that is active in all our regions. Health and public safety is a thrust of our government, and we must continue to do our best to advise all residents of such a major increase in health risks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
