Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are about 6,000 Government of the Northwest Territories employees. Over 3,000 positions are located in Yellowknife. We can only assume roughly one out of four, or one out of five people, are employed by GNWT. In the Tlicho communities and other small communities, we see what limited GNWT jobs that the majority of residents are eligible for only those benefits covered by noninsured health benefits.
Minister Green, can you please explain why the GNWT provides healthcare service for employees that is different from the healthcare service provided by the nonGNWT employees? Thank you
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Yes, thank you it's true that there is a twotier approach. There are people who have insurance through their employer, including the GNWT, maybe through the federal government, through the school boards and so on, and people who don't, and the approaches are different and the benefits are different; one of the reasons that we are currently reviewing the supplementary health benefits. So the concept of providing benefits to employees is to compensate them, as part of their compensation, and it's also a part of the usually the retention strategy that people want employees to have these benefits so that they remain working for them.
I recognize that there's a disparity between the amount of employment available in the small communities and in Yellowknife. But benefit programs don't take that into account. It's really about whether you are working for an employer with a private insurance plan or whether you are using the public insurance, which is NIHB and Metis health benefits. Thank you
So what this means is that the GNWT's employees are treated better than the members of the public. So that's what it's saying. So, Mr. Speaker, I hear from constituents in my ridings how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system while on medical travel. Will the Minister commit to hiring people to work with and support Northerners as they navigate the healthcare system while out of the territory? Thank you
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a trial project in Edmonton called Gobacare, which is being offered by Sahtu beneficiary, to help people in Edmonton navigate their appointments. And that's something that the Department of Health and Social Services has been funding, and we're very interested to learn about the results and whether this is something we want to scale up. Thank you
Well, that's good to know, that there is something in place so then this can be extended to other Indigenous organizations as well or Indigenous government.
What supports are place for single parents who require medical treatment in the south with young children who they can't leave behind? Can the Minister commit to making young children eligible travel companions for people travelling south for medical care? Thank you
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Member for that question.
The criteria for escorts is set by Indigenous Services Canada which pays most of the $44 million bill for medical travel each year. If the person receiving care is a minor, the parent goes with that child. But there is no provision at this point for the other children to go with that parent.
Having said that, I am aware of times where this issue has arisen and social services has been able to help with the voluntary services agreement. So if the Member knows of someone who needs this service, I suggest that they contact health and social services in their community and inquire. Thank you
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you can the Minister detail how much GNWT employees contribute to health benefits and how much the GNWT pays?
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of compensation for GNWT benefits is handled by the Department of Finance, and so I don't have that information available. Thank you
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
