Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the people in small communities with a Government of the Northwest Territories job, there is one level of healthcare service, and for nongovernment employees, there appears to be another level of healthcare services.
Mr. Speaker, we have two systems of medical travel in the NWT, one for GNWT workers (where hotels, car rentals, and daily food expenses are covered more than enough expenses) and another system for nonGNWT, people largely covered by noninsured health benefits. The healthcare service is considerably different for residents who receive healthcare services as covered by noninsured health benefits.
I hear from constituents about their travel experiences, where there is no flexibility in their travel, negative experiences in their stay at the boarding home, limited budget for food and expenses; and further, lack of coverage for escorts.
Mr. Speaker, many in my riding, or in the NWT, require an escort due to language barriers. This basic need must be considered to ensure NWT residents are receiving equitable access to healthcare services. Mr. Speaker, without medical travel escorts, we expect our most vulnerable to go on their own to a big city they are not familiar with; navigate a complex health system they don't know; know what to ask for in English; interpret and consider the information and consequences; advocate for themselves; and, otentially make lifechanging decisions without family or loved ones on their own.
This is not a traumainformed policy, Mr. Speaker. This is a policy that puts our people knowingly at risk. And if this is not enough, Mr. Speaker, to top it off, we go ahead and treat them as secondclass citizens with small per diems.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Medical Travel Policy is to give NWT residents access to insured services not available in their home community. The purpose is not to expose already vulnerable residents to anxiety, trauma and further health risks. I will have questions for the Minister of Health later today. Mahsi.
MR. SPEAKER:
