Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, February 6th, 2009, I’ll move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the Minister of Health and Social Services stop the implementation of the proposed Supplementary Health Benefits Program and develop a new policy and program to cover low-income families who do not have supplementary health benefits coverage through their employer;
And further, extend the September 2009 implementation date to April 2010;
And further, conduct comprehensive consultations with Northerners about the ways to improve the Supplementary Health Benefits Program and services offered by the department, including whether or not means testing should determine eligibility;
And further, ensure that full research into the program’s complete costs and full implications is undertaken and presented to Northerners including:
the cost to the NWT of families moving south; and
increased costs on the health care system resulting from more people accessing services within hospitals;
And furthermore, further involve the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly in the review of new policy proposals before any implementation is considered.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
