Debates of March 1, 2006 (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recent events regarding a resident of Inuvik, who was travelling to Yellowknife for medical reasons, has lead me to question how patients are cared for when they arrive in Yellowknife. Is there any communication, Mr. Speaker, between the regions and Yellowknife as to what the patients are coming down for, and why do we have to put them in taxis? Is there not a boarding home van to pick the patients up, or was it after 5:00 p.m.? We cannot allow this to happen, Mr. Speaker. Why does the authorization have to come out of Yellowknife? Is this government’s idea of decentralization, or does it just apply to moving from one location to another in Yellowknife?

Mr. Speaker, travel authorization escorts should be made at the regional level. They should know the medical history of the patients and whether they require an escort or not. A case in point, Mr. Speaker, a patient just came down from the Beaufort-Delta recently for surgery. The doctor informed her she should have an escort because she will need help getting back to her place that she’s staying at in town here. Luckily, a relative of hers was in town and agreed to wait so she can take care of her when she’s done.

Mr. Speaker, when I get older and may need medical travel, I am going to ask my family to throw me in the back of a transport truck and ship me south because I am afraid of the treatment I may get here.

Mr. Speaker, the patient was a mother and a grandmother and, sadly, her family had to lay her to rest. I think we let them down, Mr. Speaker, and let’s not let that happen again.

Hear! Hear!

---Applause