Mr. Chairman, this doesn't refer to communities where they don't have nurses. In the case of Lady Spencers, are they front line workers? It also doesn't refer to home makers. Those are also people, I would think, who are also front line workers. In my community, it seems the targeted group that has the highest degree of alcohol are seniors.

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. To the proposed amendment.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour please signify in the usual...Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Gargan had a question, I believe, directed to the chairman of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. I think as a Member, he does have a point that it's not clearly stated in this motion. Being on the committee, I recognize his point. Once these motions come through, we're going to address the specifics. I think, at the very least, there should be some process in this House to allow courtesy to Mr. Gargan for his question to be answered. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, I would hope the intent of the amendment would eliminate that limitation. If we go back to the original motions, it's open for interpretation as well by government, as well as by ordinary Members.

Thank you. To the amendment.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour of the amendment? Opposed? Thank you. The amendment is defeated.

---Defeated

Now to the original motion. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. To the motion, Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, the same kind of situations at the committee levels, are the same at the government levels. They service the same thing. Somehow the principle should be adopted so that they can. I don't know who should or shouldn't be getting it, at the government level, but at least the government should adopt that same kind of principle.

Thank you. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

To the report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, Mr. Pudluk.

Elders

This Is What We Heard About Issues Relating To Elders

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The elders hold an important place in our communities. They also share many of the views about the delivery of health and social services that were raised by the other groups during our review. But our elders also have a number of concerns that are unique to them and deserve our special attention. Here is what we heard.

People Told Us That Respected Elders Are An Under-Utilized Resource

Most people view their respected elders as a valuable resource. They have the experience, the wisdom and the time to contribute to the quality of life in our communities. There is considerable support for involving them in a range of local counselling activities in the areas of health and social services. We also heard that many elders are eager to provide such assistance. At the same time, we heard from elders themselves, and from others, that this resource is not being used effectively in many communities. The problem seems to lie in determining the opportunities for such involvement.

We heard a number of suggestions on how to better involve respected elders in the workings of their communities. They could be used to assist alcohol and drug committees, justice committees and other local organizations in counselling troubled individuals. They could be involved in family mediation. In addition, they could teach traditional skills to young people through various camp projects on the land.

People Expressed Concerns About Institutional And Community Based Care

Mr. Chairman, elders are concerned about the care they receive in such institutional settings as hospitals, boarding homes and homes for seniors. They experience physical isolation, particularly if they have to move to another community. They do not always understand the treatments they are given and why. They are also uncomfortable in surroundings that do not reflect their culture, traditions, language and diet.

There is strong support for the provision of local health and social services for elders. At the same time, we heard that there is a shortage of home and community-based care programs, including palliative care, in many areas. As a result, a number of elders receive their care in institutions or from family members. Hospitalization is costly and the patient is away from the support of family and friends. As well, hospitalized elders are often further isolated due to language differences. In a case study submitted to the committee, a 40- day palliative care hospital stay for one particular terminally-ill patient receiving pain control and therapy cost over $80,000 (including all related travel costs). For about one fifth of that expenditure, this patient could have been briefly hospitalized while her pain control was stabilized and then returned to her community. Once there, a nurse could train local care givers and family members in administering the pain medication. This home-based palliative care would have been much less expensive than hospitalization. Even more important, the patient could have spent her last days at home surrounded by family members.

A number of family members and elders may already share homes because of the housing shortage in the north. The additional burden of caring for an elder at home may only add to the considerable stress associated with overcrowding.

We heard many times of the need for respite care. Elders need such relief when they are caring for grandchildren or other young family members. At the same time, those who care for elders at home require occasional relief as well.

Qujannamiik. Mr. Whitford.

We Heard That Elders Face Unique Income Support Problems

Thank you. Mr. Dent.