Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to be back. I read with interest a Northern News Services story on colon cancer prevention several weeks ago. I was pleased to hear, given the high rate of colon cancer in the Northwest Territories, that the Department of Health and Social Services is taking a proactive position and directing family physicians and other health care providers to encourage residents over 50 to get screened every one or two years.
Although I support this direction, I do have one concern. I have talked to a number of people on the list for screening, as well as a couple of the physicians, who have indicated that the waiting list for this procedure is anywhere from 12 months to 18 months. According to the newspaper article, the department indicated that if blood is detected, the department tries to have a colonoscopy scheduled within three months, which is the Canadian standard.
Unfortunately, I have learned that there are still a number of high-risk clients throughout the Northwest Territories who have been waiting for far longer than the standard three months. Given that the department is encouraging a large number of Northerners to get this procedure, the demand on the system will only increase and wait times will only continue to grow.
I fully agree that this is something that needs to be done. However, I’m not sure delivering a service like this without adequate space and staff and resources will prove to be successful. There is a good chance that it will actually cause significant frustration for our residents. I’m aware of some of the challenges. Space is at a premium at Stanton. Staff is limited. Colonoscopy equipment is also limited.
Fortunately there are, in my opinion, organizations and passionate people in the Northwest Territories who I believe can really help us overcome these challenges; for example, the Stanton Foundation. Over the years this foundation has proven they can mobilize and raise significant funds for specific projects. If given a concrete ask, they will be able to raise significant funds for colon cancer prevention that will help us overcome our challenges to timely screening.
I encourage the Minister to meet with the foundation and work with them to raise the funds required to pay for leasehold improvements to create or modify existing space at Stanton or off-site, purchase additional colonoscopy machines, and cover the cost of additional staff so that additional screening can be facilitated. This could be a win-win for the foundation, Stanton, the Department of Health and Social Services, and for all residents of the Northwest Territories.
I believe that a lot of good is being done and that the direction being taken to increase the number of colon cancer screenings is appropriate. Let’s take the next step and ensure that our system can handle these increased loads without causing undue frustration and stress on the residents of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
