Debates of May 16, 2007 (day 8)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had questions on a matter of $200,000. It is actually in the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. I was hoping to be able to ask this question to the Minister of Finance today. The item is described as establish a community, equipment and training fund for community organizations interested in providing ground ambulance and highway rescue services. I was wanting to get the detail of the communities, if that $200,000 has already been allocated and, if it has been, to which communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 92-15(6): Ground Ambulance Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the funding the Member has spoken about is part of our process of new initiatives and is in the system. Until we actually have final reading on our supp document, no money will flow. The understanding of that program is no communities have been selected as of yet, as I am aware of. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 92-15(6): Ground Ambulance Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Then Hay River wants some of that money. Can we have some of that money? Thank you.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 92-15(6): Ground Ambulance Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the program, as it was set up and put through the process, is aimed at those communities that already, through the municipality, deliver services for ambulance. So that is where it is going to be focussed. The training aspect will be across the board for where we already have services. There are some communities, for example, that have services delivered through a health authority. Those will remain, as those are funded through authorities. This piece will go towards those communities that do deliver through the municipality and it is application based, as I understand. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 92-15(6): Ground Ambulance Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, Hay River does get a very small amount of contribution through the health authority. I hope that is not going to preclude them accessing this additional money because, in fact, really the fire and ambulance rescue service is part of a municipal service as well. So I hope that little bit of money we get, I think $24,000 a year, does not preclude. Could the Minister please confirm that would not preclude Hay River for more? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 92-15(6): Ground Ambulance Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would have to get more detail as to what communities are eligible, but I understand that, as we reviewed this work in this area through the reports that were made available, Hay River was one of those communities considered to be delivered by the municipality. I will get further information and provide that to the Member. Thank you.