Debates of February 10, 2006 (day 27)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, health and social services, as we all know, is a very important and sensitive issue in our smaller communities. When a community’s concerns on health are brought to the attention of a health authority that is not directly involved with the dynamics of the community on a day-to-day basis, sometimes these issues lose some credibility and their sense of importance.

When issues are brought up in a boardroom that comprises of a majority of members who have not lived in a small, remote, aboriginal community and are not aboriginals themselves, many of these unresolved issues seem to gravitate towards the question of stereotyping and unfair treatment.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that I do support our local health organizations and I am grateful for a lot of the good work that many of these health authorities have done, given the many challenges that they are up against.

I also want to make it clear, Mr. Speaker, that it is very noticeable to people in these outlying, remote communities when issues as important as health, issues that affect the whole community, are not dealt with in a manner that is acceptable, efficient, effective and, most importantly, desirable by the community, people start to lose confidence and trust in the system. Therefore, the system has to change, Mr. Speaker. It is these changes that I will be asking the Minister about later in today’s proceedings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause