Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services

In the Legislative Assembly on December 4th, 1998. See this topic in context.

Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 518

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for Minister Ng, Minister of Health and Social Services, in regard to St. John Ambulance services provisions in the Northwest Territories. As the Minister knows, I have raised this question a number of times in regard to funding for that organization. Some three years ago, the funding for the organization was reduced and in an association like other organizations, I think that was only fair to approach it that way. Last year they were reduced from $100,000 to $50,000 and this year they were reduced to no funds at all. That is a concern to the association because of their work that they do.

The Minister in a reply to me dated yesterday stated that he was turning down our request, our further request from the Yellowknife MLAs to reinstate some funding. My question for the Minister is, in regard to the reasons, and the Minister states that non-government organizations that are considered to be providing basic service receive funding. My question for the Minister is, what does he consider and can he give me an example of basic service? Thank you.

Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a basic service is in respect to delivering something that would be directly related to Health and Social Services program. I use, for example, off the top of my head, the NWT Mental Health Association, to deliver a service and providing an Aids and HIV information line. They have a contribution agreement from us to provide that type of service. Thank you.

Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

December 3rd, 1998

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The Speaker

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, it is because Aids NWT has a contribution agreement with the department, but I want to point out to the Minister and lead up to my question, then that St. John's Ambulance has always provided in all communities in the Northwest Territories first aid training and that is done on a voluntary basis, if I understand correctly. The concern I have is, what is the difference between St. John's Ambulance being regarded as non basic and the HIV information helpline as being a basic service? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Mr. Ng.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess it is an interpretation of what would be a basic service in the respect of first aid training which is not a specific health and social services program, although I recognize the importance of it, versus something like the HIV/AIDS Awareness Program which we feel is an important aspect of health programming. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I consider the work of St. John's Ambulance in all communities in the Northwest Territories to be an essential service. It certainly has been for the last 20 years and it really surprises me that we cannot get support for this, Mr. Speaker. My question to the Minister is, to his knowledge, what other services are available to be provided other than St. John's Ambulance in the communities for safety and first aid training? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Mr. Ng.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the specifics of what other organizations or companies do that; I am aware that there are companies in the private sector which provides first aid training and safety awareness. I will get that information for the Member. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that there are not enough, at the moment, private sector operators to provide service in all communities. I am wondering if the Minister will undertake to survey the communities throughout the north, to see in what fashion they consider St. John's Ambulance service necessary. Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Mr. Ng.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can commit to taking a look at that, I do not know the extent of how we can determine that, but I will figure out a mechanism to do that. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Question 252-13(6): St. John's Ambulance Services
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 519

The Speaker

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.