Debates of September 30, 2015 (day 85)
MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON PALLIATIVE CARE IN DELINE
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people want their loved ones to live out their last days at home, not in Yellowknife or Inuvik or anywhere else.
People in Deline want to know why it’s so difficult to get palliative care beds in that community. I’ve been working with the community of Deline and have brought this issue to three Ministers so far. My last hope is with this Minister.
I have questioned the Minister on February 23, 2015, seven months ago, regarding the Deline palliative care study. This summer both the Minister and I met with the Deline leadership and we were advised at that time the health staff were planning to travel to Deline this summer, 2015, to assess the suitability. What happened there?
Last week the Sahtu Secretariat met with the Premier and the Ministers. An item that was discussed was the request for palliative care beds in Deline. Prior to that meeting, Chief Leonard Kennedy wrote to the Minister, carbon copied to me, stating, where is the Deline care beds study and stating why they need it. What happened to the commitment he made to the people and I in Deline.
I want to know why does this community request to have palliative care beds in their community have to take an SSI meeting with the Premier, and now we’ve been told that this study will be done in two weeks. October 9th, by the way, Mr. Speaker. The department doesn’t get the need, doesn’t get the urgency to make this happen. I want to know why the Minister is dragging his feet on this request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.