Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there was an incident of an elderly person who collapsed which caused shock and distress for the people around the person. First, let me take you back a spell to the days when the nurses and the RCMP members to distress incidents within the community. They did not even bat an eye to attend to distress calls, especially within the community, as people were not knowledgeable or were in shock to handle the situation.
Now, getting back to the recent incident, the people called the nurse and the nurse replied they were not allowed to attend to distress calls out in the community. So the people called the RCMP and were directed to a dispatch person, perhaps in Yellowknife. They indicated the RCMP members do not attend to these types of distress calls.
Mr. Speaker, this was a shocker to the people calling in as they were in shock and couldn't believe what they were hearing. We know the RCMP show up to crime scenes, vehicle accidents, and a host of other incidents, even to check on people under probation orders. But no, this distress call was ignored.
Mr. Speaker, the collapsed elderly person did eventually regain consciousness and was rushed to the health centre but the nurse who answered the call, and stated would be at the health centre, was not there. The nurse showed up a little later.
Mr. Speaker, this is very concerning to us in small communities when people, most relied upon to assist us as part of their jobs, do not want to do anything with going out in the community. I will begin to address this issue starting with the Department of Health and Social Services. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
