Madam Speaker, I have been approached by numerous elders and most of them have been expressing concerns with inadequate health care services, especially, Madam Speaker, in the community of Wrigley. Wrigley has not had a regular nurse or other medical service staff for quite some time. For an isolated community, this is not acceptable.

When elders come to talk to me about these problems and are obviously in such pain and discomfort, I cannot help feeling frustrated with the current situation of medical services. Elders have to travel to Fort Simpson when they are not in the best of health and strength, Madam Speaker. One elder who is very special in the community has had knee complications and is in pain and waiting for an appointment. This elder asked me when his next appointment will be. Why is he asking me, Madam Speaker?

During special events and feasts, the communities always ask the elders to go first. This is the aboriginal way, to make elders feel as comfortable as possible. That is why my constituents and myself have such an issue with the long waiting time for very painful conditions.

Another elder has pneumonia and needs medical staff in the community. There is still a need for a nurse in Wrigley and the GNWT should consider reinstating one. During breakup and freeze-up, the visits to Wrigley seem to be more sporadic. Our government guarantees them service, but it is not providing it during these very important times.

Many constituents feel the regular visits are becoming less frequent and there is always some kind of reason, such as weather, illness and scheduling, for postponing the medical visits.

While in Fort Simpson or other medical centres, travelling patients are scheduled as any other patients, often waiting in airports or wandering the streets while in pain. They should be given priority so they can go home to be comfortable with their families.

A constituent has expressed their opinion that health care funding from the federal government earmarked specifically for aboriginal peoples is not all going to their intended purposes and a large portion is going to central administration and not helping elders, as the one in this community.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, honourable colleagues. Madam Speaker, if the GNWT does not take action now, it would be unacceptable if there was a serious, unfortunate event that was to occur. Health care must be one of the highest priorities of this government. The provision of regular health care for our communities and constituents must be a priority of this government. It, too, I believe, must be declared a necessary service to the NWT, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

---Applause