Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Fort Liard medical needs. I have stood up many times in this House to request on behalf of the residents of Fort Liard to have their health needs taken care of in Fort Nelson, B.C. This makes sense to them as it is only a two hour drive for them.
In many previous negative responses from the Minister of Health and Social Services, the main reason for not allowing this is that we have a health agreement with the Capital Health Authority of Alberta. Now, recently, it was brought to my attention that there is no longer a Capital Health Authority in Alberta, so I believe that we now have a good opportunity to provide a better and more efficient health service to the residents of Fort Liard.
The way we can do this, Mr. Speaker, is by contacting the Province of British Columbia’s ministry of Health to begin preliminary discussions with their northern health authority as how they can service the needs of the population of Fort Liard. The agreement does not have to be overly complicated. Residents are confused as to why they have to travel down Highway No. 7 for three hours then a one-and-a-half-hour plane ride to Yellowknife, overnight, and experience another lengthy trip home. These medical visits are for tests, exams and minor day surgery, if necessary. This can be accomplished, as I said, with a simple two hour drive on a very good road over to Fort Nelson and they can be home the same day.
Many of the travellers are elderly and youth that require escorts. I really feel that this will even be a cost savings for our health care system. Also with the implementation of the electronic health system, I would say it would be easier to share health records, thereby addressing another concern that the Minister of Health and Social Services has had with working with the B.C. ministry of Health.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to a discussion on this during question period later today. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
