Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, travelling for medical appointments in smaller communities in the Beaufort Delta can take a toll on patients, either to follow up for appointments for routine procedures or for a more serious condition. Both physically and mentally, we are all aware of the toll it takes. Now, Mr. Speaker, imagine if you are an elder and English is your second language and you're from a small community in the Beaufort Delta, having an escort to assist you is essential. Mr. Speaker, I've heard too many times that the onerous paperwork and bureaucracy to have an escort approved is often stressful as the travel itself.
Mr. Speaker, I hate to use the term "no brainer", Mr. Speaker, but if you are an 80yearold elder from Sachs Harbour, or a community in the Beaufort Delta, I think we can all agree that an escort should be automatically in the travel man if you must travel to Yellowknife, Inuvik, or Edmonton. Mr. Speaker, I'm sure the Beaufort Delta's not the only region that has experienced this concern. I'm sure my colleagues from the Sahtu or Tlicho can likely say the same.
I understand policies must be in place but, Mr. Speaker, there must be a way of making this process easier for our elders so at least the one thing that they and their family do not have to worry about when it could be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
