The committee recommends, and I move, that the Department of Health and Social Services implement a cap on medical travel co-payments for patients who require multiple trips in a given period, and who would not otherwise be reimbursed for this expense by their employer or by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Thank you.
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on February 23rd, 1995. See this topic in context.
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 275
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 276
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 276
An Hon. Member
Question.
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 22nd, 1995
Page 276
The Chair Tony Whitford
Question has been called. I don't believe we have a quorum; no, we don't.
I see we have a quorum. When we began ringing the bells nine minutes ago, there was a motion on the floor and question had been called. I will call question again.
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 276
An Hon. Member
Question.
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 276
The Chair Tony Whitford
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.
---Carried
The chair continues to recognize the Member for North Slave, Mr. Zoe.
Institutional Facilities And Home Care
Committee Motion 27-12(7): To Adopt Recommendation 3, Carried
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 276
Henry Zoe North Slave
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of the department's biggest challenges is meeting the needs of northerners who, for one reason or another, cannot live well on their own. The challenge lies in balancing resources between institutional facilities on one hand, and home care and related projects on the other.
There are some cases where individuals need to be cared for in institutions, such as homes for the elderly or handicapped. But there are many cases where the best option is for the person to stay in their own home, in their own community, with support provided by a home care program.
Also, because our population is so small and scattered, we have to be careful when we commit large amounts of capital to building institutions. Committee Members noted the example of the new elders' residence in Deline; it is standing vacant most of the time.
This reflects two issues the committee want to highlight. First, the department should try to provide home care wherever possible, both to better meet the needs of northerners who require care but need not be institutionalized, and to save money over the high costs of institutions. As part of this concept, the government must continue to work with the federal government to address the problem of inadequate housing. Often, elders who could be served by home care are forced to move into institutions merely because their housing is inadequate, poorly heated, or poorly constructed. Second, when institutional facilities are planned, the department should exercise prudence and caution. New institutional facilities should be designed to be flexible. If a new building turns out not to be needed as an elders' residence, perhaps it can be used for other purposes.
The committee has noted the Minister's commitment to establish pilot home care projects. Committee Members welcome this initiative, as it is quite an important one, and look forward to the results of these projects.