Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee would like to note the significant savings expected by the government on reduced medical travel and payment to hospitals outside the Northwest Territories. With enhancements to the capabilities of Stanton Yellowknife Hospital, more patients can be treated in the north, and the additional travel previously required to Edmonton and other centres is often not required. The new arrangement with the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton has already greatly reduced the government's costs for out-of-territories care.

Committee Members applaud the department's initiative in these two areas. However, the department can go further. For example, increased use of distance technology can provide improved health care services to community residents while reducing the need for travel. Appropriate enhancements to the use of local facilities -- such as the underused Fort Simpson hospital -- can also reduce the need for travel and provide quality health care to northerners closer to their homes. Finally, the department must do a better job in communicating with northerners. This is an area where health boards can excel; but it will not be possible in regions such as the Deh Cho and Dogrib regions that do not yet have health boards.

Medical Travel Co-Payments

A related issue that concerned committee Members is the planned increases in medical travel co-payments. Currently, when a resident of the Northwest Territories has to travel for treatment, a co-payment of $50 one way or $100 return is levied. The department has proposed increasing this to $125 and $250, respectively.

Committee Members recognize that, for many people, this cost is covered: either by their employer, especially if they work for the government; or by Department of Indian and Northern Development, if they are status. But those who are unemployed, non-status, or working for low wages and benefits, could be seriously affected by this change. For example, a patient who required three trips in a short period would end up paying $750 under the new rates, instead of $300 as at present. That extra expense could be difficult or impossible for some people to cover. The committee wants to see the department provide a way to avoid this rate increase becoming a hardship.