Debates of June 2, 2004 (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Michael Miltenberger. The situation that has arisen with the group home in Edmonton around some of the problems that they were having, has brought to light and brought to the forefront again the subject of northerners being cared for in Alberta institutions, and our government's seemingly lack of ability to repatriate these northerners. So I would like to ask the Minister how many northerners with disabilities are currently being cared for outside of the Northwest Territories, I'm sure mostly in Alberta? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member raises a good point, the issue of repatriation is one that is well on our agenda, and as we speak in relation to the case that has brought all this discussion to light. We are looking at the possibilities. As I indicated in this House over the last week, we believe there's an opportunity in the short term to repatriate these clients into existing services, and then we are going to actively look at a longer-range plan. So I concur with the issues and concerns raised in the House by the Members this morning as we talk about this issue, that we are mature enough now, I think, in many cases to look at that kind of repatriation, that we are capable of providing the services. I would suggest we're going to do the review that's necessary and we will be building that, as well, into our business plan. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, right now are there any facilities in the Northwest Territories similar to what is being offered right now where these clients are accommodated in Alberta? Are there facilities currently open with vacancies in the North at this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are a variety of resources, as the Member knows and has indicated, in her community. In Yellowknife there are a number of supported living situations, as well. There's capacity in Fort Smith, there's some capacity in Inuvik. It depends on the particular needs of the client involved, and it has to be done on a client-by-client basis, which is what we're doing. At this point we've had very senior staff in Edmonton for the last two to three weeks, working through this APYS situation. One of the issues that has come to light, as I indicated, is the potential in the short term to do some repatriation. As well, I will work with the department on the longer-term plan. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I had asked the Minister in a previous question how many northerners -- I don't need to know exactly -- I don't believe he answered that question. Does he know how many northerners are in southern placements right now currently funded by his department? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are over one dozen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Your final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Nice try.

Supplementary To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

That's an interesting answer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

Perhaps with a little bit less vagueness the Minister could tell me approximately what kind of dollar value is associated right now with placements outside of the Northwest Territories of persons with disabilities. What kind of dollars are being expended by this government for those clients, those over one dozen? Thank you.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 195-15(3): Caring For Persons With Developmental Disabilities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, without being able to find that particular item in my briefing book, the figure that I would suggest is it’s a few million. Thank you.

---Laughter