Mr. Speaker, with the greatest respect to the honourable Member, I wish it was as simple as saying more frequent and longer visits from eye doctors, dentists and other medical professionals would fix the health of people in our communities. Unfortunately dentists cannot control whether children consume sugar, doctors cannot control whether people smoke and other issues such as overcrowded housing are beyond the control of this department I am responsible for. So I have to say, Mr. Speaker, that we are attempting to maximize the numbers of dollars available for the kind of professional services and professional visits the Member is referring to. There are limits on those funds and I can only do as much as is possible within the appropriations provided to my department. If there are specific complaints within the Member's region I will be happy to discuss those with him. I look forward to meeting with the Kitikmeot board of health at the earliest possible opportunity to learn more about these specific problems the Member is referring to. Thank you.
Dennis Patterson on Question 84-12(3): Request For Medical Professionals To Stay Longer In Communities
In the Legislative Assembly on November 24th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 84-12(3): Request For Medical Professional To Stay Longer In Communities
Question 84-12(3): Request For Medical Professionals To Stay Longer In Communities
Item 5: Oral Questions
November 23rd, 1992
Page 94
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.