Debates of November 27, 2007 (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, about two weeks ago, I sent an e-mail to the Minister of Health and Social Services regarding some disabled constituents of mine. They are looking for some assistance regarding any support programs we have on the books or in existence, because they want to get an assisted dog to help them with their disability. One is in a wheelchair and the second one needs an assisted dog because they can’t walk properly due to a lot of reasons. But the e-mail hasn’t been answered. So I guess the question for today is, will the Minister be responding to my question? Are there any programs available for these two constituents of mine so they can get an assisted dog? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Lee.

Return To Question 27-16(1): GNWT Programs For Canine Companionship

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I did receive that e-mail. We’re still investigating the issue and I will make the commitment to get back to the Member as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 27-16(1): GNWT Programs For Canine Companionship

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope that this doesn’t speak to a trend that it takes a couple weeks to respond to me to tell me we’ll get back to you. So the fact is, when can we expect some type of response on this matter? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 27-16(1): GNWT Programs For Canine Companionship

I believe it only took a second for me to tell him that I’ll get back to him, but it will take some time to review the issue at hand. The program to give or to support people obtaining pets as a means of health program is something that needs, it’s more complex, and there are two individuals involved. We need to find out whether they are eligible or not and how we can accommodate that. So I will get back to the Member as soon as I get that information and we are working on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 27-16(1): GNWT Programs For Canine Companionship

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like the commitment or at least the clear assurance in this House by the Minister that people with disabilities aren’t put on the backburner, that their needs or requirements aren’t put off to the shelf and ignored. So can I get that clear commitment in this House today, because I don’t think that they should be? I just want to make sure that it’s absolutely clear. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 27-16(1): GNWT Programs For Canine Companionship

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members should be aware that that is an absolute commitment on my part because we have worked on other issues for people with disabilities within the life of this Assembly. Within the last two or three weeks, in fact. So the Member knows that I have a commitment to that. Of course, issues about things for persons with disabilities is definitely in the front of my agenda and I make a commitment again to the Member that I will get back to him on this information probably by the end of the week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.