Shane Thompson

It looks like the Minister had all my questions here and was able to answer them all. The answer to the question on how many communities are out there: basically, we have five communities that don't have dental therapists in place. Is the government seriously looking at trying to fill these vacant positions, and if they are, how are they looking at doing this?

I thank the Minister for that answer and I look forward to having a conversation with him. Can the Minister please tell us if there are support groups available for patients with cancer and if these patients are told about this type of program?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for that answer. It does clear up a little bit of concerns out there so I am able to share that with my constituents. Mr. Speaker, due to appointments and flight schedules, patients sometimes miss meals. How does the department ensure that the patients are fed? Do they get a food allowance to cover this additional cost that is put onto them, because the flights are not? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minister for his answer. I am a little disappointed that I have some constituents who are permanently there now and have to share the room. I was hoping that they were getting a little bit of privacy. Mr. Speaker, boarding homes have chauffeurs and drivers who deliver really great service. They are very friendly and very helpful, but the concern for some patients is they have to wait long periods of time to be picked up or get dropped off early for flights. What does the contract say about providing transportation for these patients, and does the department allow patients to use...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during my latest regional tour, I had the opportunity to speak to a number of students and teachers. I gave them the opportunity to do a Member's statement to present their ideas and concerns. Today, my statement is coming from the Bompas grade four class. Mr. Speaker, the class spoke about the positive things about the village: the quality of the water, and how it is the best in the world. People are really friendly, and they feel safe, and can walk around town without getting lost. They find the land to be very beautiful and clean. They really like the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will try to be as quick as possible here. I would like to thank both sides for working together on this revised document. It was a lot of work throughout the process of developing it and to revise it. I really have to say that youth suicide prevention, to me, is very important, and it is getting the recognition it does need to deserve as we move forward on that. My colleagues talked about other priorities, and there was a lot of give and take. I know there were some issues on the mandate that I had to give up that were unrealistic, and I understood they were important...

I thank the Minister for his answer. I guess my concern is when I talk to some of my constituents they’re not away of these support groups out there so I look forward to working with the Minister. My understanding when patients go out for chemo treatment, the immune system is very unstable or is very susceptive to cross-contamination issues. Flus and that can make them sicker. Does the department have a policy in place to deal with patients who are getting treatment for cancer, both staying in the boarding home or in hotels?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services. During my visit to communities, I noticed that there seems to be a high rate of cancer in my riding. Can the Minister please tell me how many people from Nahendeh are being sent out for cancer treatment presently? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minister for his answer. I will follow up with him with the specific concerns residents have talked to me about. Like most places, food is usually an issue for some. The concern isn’t about the quality; it is about the traditional food. How does the department ensure the boarding room has access to traditional food that can be provided to the patient? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot of positive things about the boarding home here in Yellowknife, however like most things, there are a few concerns that residents have raised, and I would like to raise them here today. Mr. Speaker, there are patients that have to stay in the boarding home long-term. Even some have resided permanently. Has the department looked at placing them in their own home without having short-term patients staying in their place? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.