Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Webster's dictionary defines quality as the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears its ability to satisfy stated and implied needs. Patients who travel to Yellowknife are, indeed, not receiving quality service in terms of accommodations. Residents of my riding are stating that they are being treated like second or third-class citizens by their very own government.
When I last brought up this very concern in the fall of 2024, the Minister stated the current contract would be up and the new contract details will address this accommodation concern while I am still receiving calls to address this very concern. Mr. Speaker, every time the concern of Quality Inn comes before the Minister and her department, they do not have a concrete solution. Maybe the solution is out there in the communities and with its residents.
The Nunavut government is taking their health department to the communities and want to hear from their residents. Imagine if this government decided to conduct a community consultation within each of the communities throughout the Northwest Territories? This would be a milestone approach for this government.
Personally, I'm running out of questions to ask the Minister and her department as to why our Indigenous population is subject to these deplorable conditions. The details of their contract and/or lack of accommodations within the city is no longer a valid answer. The majority of these patients that are travelling to Yellowknife are for dental purposes. Last year, there was talk about sending some of the patients to a different jurisdiction to receive dental care. This option would assist in the concern of quality service. It would be good if the talks were still ongoing.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I do not know what else I can say to bring comfort to the residents of my riding who have to travel to Yellowknife and be placed in this establishment. Like I stated, maybe the general public has the answer. Let's take it to the communities and its residents and resolve its ongoing concern once and for all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
