Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Finance.
Some employers are working to walk the talk when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing and supporting the diverse ways that families grow. Many of these employers are expanding their benefits packages to include fertility supports. And so where does the GNWT stand on fertility benefits for their staff? Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister responsible for Finance.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a fairly generous leave package that has a number of different ways by which employees are able to take leave, both paid leave/unpaid leave, and the focus and the intent is that individuals have an opportunity to look at what their particular needs and circumstances are and can then apply to their supervisor for applicable leave. There's not a specific section within that particular for fertility benefits or fertility treatments. But, again, you know, the idea here that I'm trying to get at with that is that although we don't have that specifically, we are able to look at people's individual circumstances. And they would be able to hopefully be accommodated if they do require additional leave through the packages that are available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, has the GNWT explored the projected costs of expanding fertility treatment supports to employees? And so the GNWT definitely has a very generous leave package for parents and for people who are going through any type of medical needs, but I'm wondering about the fertility treatment itself. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point the answer is no, that that has not been added or included specifically as an area where there might be some expansion of the leave packages. Obviously the leave packages are part of the bargaining process in the collective agreement. Right now, if there's specific health benefits or health treatments, those are done with approvals by a qualified medical practitioner. So in line with the questions that were asked earlier of the Department of Health, there won't be any sort of additional you know, we won't be seeking additional approvals if they're not being approved by a medical practitioner. Certainly if there are staff members seeking leave, again, I'd want to encourage them to be speaking to their supervisor to see that they at least do have access to necessary leave provisions, and that would hopefully help accommodate them in whatever choices they're making for their family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.
