Thank you, Madam Speaker. The community of Enterprise needs to be better prepared for medical emergencies. Right now emergency ambulance services are based in Hay River and it costs at least $400 to take someone to hospital, if the ambulance gets there on time.
Like most communities in the NWT, Enterprise has an aging population. It’s location on Highway No. 3 near the Alberta border means there is greater risk of medical emergencies. If an accident occurs on the highway north of High Level, essentially the closest community would be Enterprise. As the larger community, Hay River is well equipped to respond, but it is possible that Hay River emergency personnel and vehicles might be busy responding to a call when someone in Enterprise needs help.
Public safety is a high priority for municipalities and for this government. Each community is responsible for developing emergency plans as the Government of the NWT plans to expand services and resources for ground ambulance and highway rescue. Enterprise cannot be overlooked. The government needs to work with the community to determine the level of need and plan the best response.
A proactive approach to emergency services will help us avoid tragedies and the regrets and finger pointing that is too often part of the aftermath. As a responsible government, we must do all we can to promote public safety, from accident prevention to effective response.
I urge the government to work with Enterprise toward a reliable solution for emergency medical needs. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
