(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question to the Premier, in her role as the Minister of Health and Social Services, and the leader of our government. We, as MLAs, are often asked by constituents to assist with travel costs for them to visit their ill relatives in other communities. As much as we would like to, we are not allowed to use money from our constituency funds to help these people in need. Could the Premier inform this House what assistance is available to those people who would like to travel to another community to visit sick or terminally ill relatives, but can't financially afford to? Thank you.
Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
In the Legislative Assembly on October 20th, 1994. See this topic in context.
Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 19th, 1994
Page 405
Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South
Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 405
The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell
Thank you. Minister of Health, Madam Premier.
Return To Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 405
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Madam Speaker, thank you. In reply to the Member, travel assistance is available from two programs: medical travel; and, social assistance. Madam Speaker, to be eligible for medical travel assistance, a doctor has to certify that travel by the relative is medically necessary for the patient's treatment. Without the doctor's certificate, travel cannot be authorized.
Secondly, to be eligible for compassionate travel under social assistance, the relative who wishes to travel has to be eligible for social assistance. This eligibility is based on a needs test. If the relative has sufficient income to meet their needs, then they are not eligible for this form of assistance.
Madam Speaker, the government recognizes that the current policies have restrictions that can create hardships for some families. However, these are the two access policies that can be used in requesting travel assistance. Thank you.
Return To Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Question 196-12(6): Travel Assistance For Visiting Sick Relatives
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 406
The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.