Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on February 27th regarding the coverage of chiropractic services under the health plan.

Mr. Speaker, chiropractic services are not considered a benefit under the non-insured health benefits program provided to registered Indian and Inuit clients.

However, Health Canada, the federal department which funds the program, does make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The patient must be referred to a chiropractor by a physician. Health Canada reviews the chiropractor's treatment plan, the duration of treatment and the associated costs before they make a decision. Thank you.