Mr. Speaker, mahsi. [English translation not provided.]
Today I want to speak about a concern that one of my constituents has raised about the health of the people in Fort Liard. Ms. Sonia Timbre has become aware that another person in her hometown of Fort Liard has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. She advises this brings the total number of diagnosed cases of stomach cancer and the number of deaths from stomach cancer up to 15. According to the 2006 Census, the population of Fort Liard was only 583 people, and 15 appears to her to be an extraordinarily large number of people with the same medical condition. Ms. Timbre decided to look into the causes.
She found that no specific causes had been identified but there are, however, several factors that are thought to cause this type of cancer. Diet is one. Also environmental factors such as exposure to certain dusts, moulds, fumes and other environmental agents is linked to a higher than average risk of stomach cancer. An infection, in particular infection by H. Pylori, which is usually found where there is pollution and has been found in other NWT communities, is also thought to be a cause. Ms. Timbre suspects it might be an environmental issue in and around Fort Liard that has caused such a high rate of stomach cancer and would like the government to examine this concern.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my constituent for raising this issue. I think that Sonia Timbre has made a very good case for some research on this to be completed. Many of us have seen the suffering of friends and family who contract stomach cancer and it is a terrible disease and we need to try to find a way to prevent it.
I believe the Minister of Health and Social Services should investigate what is causing such a high rate of illness and death for Fort Liard residents. I support this and request an in-depth study into the serious condition and serious concern. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
