Madam Speaker, today I would like to speak about a basic level of service that is needed by the elders in my riding; specifically, the ability of Nahendeh elders to receive dialysis treatment in Fort Simpson, the ability to have this treatment in our own region and community. Madam Speaker, most of us are familiar with the gruelling task of travel to another community often not knowing anyone, being alone, and the cultural differences. This is exactly what many elders in my communities are faced with weekly while traveling to Yellowknife for dialysis needs while not feeling well.

Traveling is emotionally, mentally and physically demanding for anyone, especially if it is weekly and one is sick. Recently I went to visit an elder constituent that is captive in Yellowknife because of his disease. He told me I am here, I am away from all of my relatives who care for me, who can visit me, and he asked me, Madam Speaker, why can’t they bring a machine home for me. Today I would like this government to answer that.

The GNWT invested in a dialysis machine when Fort Smith had five patients needing treatment. The Nahendeh region has three and possibly four people in need of this treatment, Madam Speaker. Also, with the large elderly population in Nahendeh, I know that this will require the GNWT to eventually invest in a dialysis machine. Better sooner than later I say when it comes to dialysis machines for the regions.

Another one of my constituents does most of his treatment at home and will soon require the travel to Yellowknife regularly. Unfortunately, his condition is slowly deteriorating and he would be more comfortable in a facility during his treatment. If it’s in Fort Simpson he would be close to friends and family, and the communities are the best places for treatment such as this, Madam Speaker. The GNWT Health and Social Services cannot continue to calculate these essential services by numbers alone. The regional differences and costs associated and the quality of life of our very important elders must be paramount and supersede any departmental calculation. Mahsi cho.

---Applause