Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, an incident came to my attention during the latter part of February, concerning a couple from Arviat who lost their first born baby during the RSV outbreak last year. This couple is looking forward to the birth of their second child. However, the baby will have to be born in Winnipeg as it has potential medical problems. Due to the recent cutbacks for non-medical escorts, the father wrote me, worried that he would not be able or allowed to escort his wife to the hospital and be there to support her during the child's surgery that will be required at a later date. Mr. Speaker, I wrote to the Keewatin Health Board and a copy of my letter went to Minister Ng. I am pleased to report that the health board did agree to allow the father to travel with the wife and stay there for the birth of the child. Mr. Speaker, we certainly appreciate the efforts of the Minister and his department and also the board in allowing this escort. Unfortunately, there are other situations that we are faced with other people in the community, elders where they are not allowed or do not meet the criteria in order to travel with their family members. Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing this issue further with the Minister during question period.
Kevin O'Brien on Flexibility In Medical Travel
In the Legislative Assembly on March 4th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Flexibility In Medical Travel
Item 3: Members' Statements
March 3rd, 1997
Page 1069
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
See context to find out what was said next.