Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a small community health centre, staff have to be ready for just about anything. Tsiigehtchic Health Services regularly offers services and support for everything from check-ups to homecare to emergency treatment, plus specialized services for students, elders, and those living with disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, we have a community health representative and a homecare worker resident. While a nurse visits from Inuvik weekly, and a doctor once a month, staff have to be on their toes, and they are often called to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Residents, including elders, often need help getting to and from the health centre or perform typical errands that have a big impact on health, like collecting groceries or prescriptions. Right now, staff are pitching in when they see those needs are going unmet, using their own vehicles without compensation for their time or for cost of fuel.
In addition to this, Mr. Speaker, I am also concerned about potential liability problems, although staff are certainly providing a valuable public service. That is the key phrase, Mr. Speaker; a "public service." To that end, I would like to propose working with the Department of Health and Social Services to ensure that a government vehicle is available to staff at the Tsiigehtchic health centre, and continue to provide the best possible care for residents.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will have questions later today.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.
