Robert Hawkins

Actually, I’ve been trying to whittle down to the exact area I’m getting to and I think we’ve now reached the point. I definitely believe heart of hearts that the public system is truly the backstop of what needs to be out there, and by no means am I suggesting that the public system should erode. What I’ve really been trying to whittle down to is this particular point: if somebody arrives at Stanton today and is in a car accident, we don’t ask them if they have third-party insurance. Yet everybody driving a car, in that car, legally, of course, is supposed to have insurance. So in other words...

Again just speaking strictly to the area of transfer of positions, of course, does one particular group have a veto over anyone else? Is there any veto established in the context of the Government of the Northwest Territories working to proceed with the transfer of those types of positions established through the federal government; vis-à-vis mainly Indian and Northern Affairs positions to be transferred here to the Northwest Territories? Does any group have a veto through that process? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From time to time this particular issue comes up and it’s a question about third-party insurance providers. The question really comes up in the context of whether or not the GNWT accesses that opportunity to help stave off some of the costs that are incurred at Stanton Hospital. Where this specifically arises is if somebody arrives at Stanton and one of the questions quite often asked was, were you hurt at work. So in other words, WCB starts to pick up some of these costs. Of course, then it doesn’t fall on the typical shoulders of our public purse because we have a WCB...

I’m just trying to understand. Was it being explained that the northern leaders are impeding the process? I’m just trying to understand that. Thank you.

I’d like to know what type of appeal process is involved in medical travel. In other words, if you’re denied housing, there’s a housing appeal; if you’re denied some other type, maybe educational subsidy or income support subsidy, there’s an appeal process. What type of appeal process is involved with medical travel other than having to run it up the flagpole to the Minister’s office every single time?

Mr. Chairman, is the Minister offering that? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the prevailing issues that keep coming across my desk, whether I’m getting a phone call, a letter or an e-mail, Mr. Speaker, is medical travel. That, as well, seems to be fraught with challenges. I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services what is she doing to lead some type of initiative that clears this up. Because medical travel seems to be a challenging issue and it appears, clearly, that it’s complicated as well. So what initiatives are being done to examine medical travel and make sure it’s clearly laid out for the public what...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just curious if the Premier can provide some updates as to what work has been done to help get some of the positions that are typically staffed through Indian and Northern Affairs established here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, my clear evidence of this House, many Members asked many questions repeatedly. Not just once. Not just twice. Not over one year. Not over five years; maybe even longer than that. Mr. Speaker, the point being is that many Members continue to challenge that mighty mountain by raising an issue up and saying we’re not going to give up. So has the government given up on Ottawa, and if they haven’t given up on Ottawa, when can we expect another letter asking for financial support for this particular project? Because I can guarantee you that there is no infrastructure project across...

Just on that financial note, has any work been done specifically to show that it’s in everyone’s best interest to fulfill negotiations on these types of agreements to kick off the financial process for self-government? Thank you.