Julian Morse

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And certainly I look forward to seeing the results of that further investigation. Mr. Speaker, how much is the GNWT currently spending on sending clients for short-term or respite-related stays in the south? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last sitting I raised the issue of respite care in the territory and confirmed with the Minister of health that the department is reviewing its delivery of respite care. I've since met with some constituents and received feedback about some things that we could be doing differently.

Mr. Speaker, currently, the territory is spending a significant amount of money on out-of-territory care. Each individual who is sent south costs anywhere from 30 to $50,000 per, month, or more, which adds up to $600,000 per year per person. In total, the program is costing us...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I certainly don't have as nearly as passionate opinion on this one as my previous colleagues but I would just say that, you know, as a Member of the committee, committee had a discussion about this, made the recommendation that we did and, you know, I was in favour of it there, and so I'll support it here and would just note that I think my experience of referrals of matters -- sorry, of Members' statements to Committee of the Whole so far is that a bunch of them have been referred. We've yet to actually debate one. It does seem like something that is not a big issue...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I do appreciate that clarification. Mr. Speaker, has the GNWT explored options before for programs such as income supports or grants for families supporting persons with disabilities to organize their own in-home services or respite care? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, I misspoke earlier. I meant that I would be asking questions of the Minister of ECE at a later time; she's clearly not here today. But my questions for today are for the Minister of health.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of health have information regarding how many people receiving out-of-territory care are due to lack of ability of an in-home caregiver as opposed to complex needs that simply can't be addressed in the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I mean, I can't speak for other Members. For myself, I think the amendment is simple and straightforward enough that I don't personally require it in writing. I just that that was a rule. But if we're okay, I'm happy to move forward and speaking to the amendment, I'm supportive of it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And it seems the Minister is identifying a bit of a gray area here that I think we need to dig further into, and certainly I'll be doing that with research over the coming months preparing for the next session.

Mr. Speaker, has the Minister considered what measurements the government might be able to take to assist residents who are unable to obtain insurance due to affordability considering the federal government doesn't necessarily consider this to be reason enough to make residents eligible for disaster assistance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is MACA doing to help residents understand the steps that they need to follow in order to have proper insurance documentation? Certainly, I have residents I'd like to get this message out to. So what can I share with them, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to recognize -- we got lots of pages in the house today from the Frame Lake riding. I recognized her earlier this week but wanted to recognize and thank again Lucy Mackay. We've got Emereigh Moffatt returning, so thank you to her for her service. And also Tika Ristau. So thank you to all three of our Frame Lake pages this week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's actually just a process question. Do we need to pause to get the amendment in writing or can we just make them on the fly?