Debates of May 28, 2004 (day 15)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning I received a call from one of my constituents who has a son as a client of Health and Social Services who has developmental disabilities and who is located in an aboriginal institution in Edmonton. Mr. Speaker, herself, the staff and the clients when they met with one of the government representatives yesterday were very stressed by the process which has been taken by this government in dealing with the clients who are sent to southern institutions to receive proper care. Mr. Speaker, the institution, clients and the staff were meeting with Members who represent this government and were told at the onset of the meeting, and I quote, Mr. Speaker, “I will meet with you to discuss options of relocating, but I will not answer any questions as to why.” Mr. Speaker, if this government is to develop better working partnerships with aboriginal organizations and have more transparency, we have to demonstrate some type of initiatives to begin this process. It seems that this government is being directed and manipulated by people who do not have any interest in this government’s vision or goals because they do not have to live in the North. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking a number of questions on this matter later in the day. Mahsi.

---Applause