Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members of this House will recall a previous statement in this House by Mr. Whitford and myself about an individual in the territories who specializes in making dentures. Madam Speaker, this person was not allowed to practice his profession and provide denture services to northern residents, largely because of an outdated Dental Mechanics Act.

The act, as it now stands, allows a registered denturist or dental mechanic to fit, contract or repair complete dentures only. The act is silent on partial plates or anything other than complete upper or lower dentures.

I raise this issue again, Madam Speaker, firstly because I feel it appalling that this situation has not been dealt with to ensure the health and comfort of the people we represent. Secondly, because denturists are qualified to provide these services and the Dental Mechanics Act does not specifically say that it cannot.

Madam Speaker, training for denturists has come a long way since the act was written in 1974. Denturists are now completely qualified to work with partial plates. In fact, it takes a minimum of three years of training to become a qualified denturist. By comparison, a dentist may only study the mechanics of denture making for three months.

My constituents, Madam Speaker, and I, and I am sure other Members' constituents, require these services. I am sure we have all suffered a toothache at one time or other, so we know the kind of pain that is being endured every day by many of our people. We must move forward quickly on whatever action is required to provide these services to our people.

There are people in our communities and settlements who are enduring needless pain and suffering for as long as six months waiting for ordered dentures to come in. This government can take the necessary steps to allow denturists to become established in the north and provide the service we need in a timely fashion. The time has come, Madam Speaker, for this government...