Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the July session, I raised an issue that is of ongoing concern to my constituents. When a family member becomes sick, that person must come to Yellowknife to the Stanton Regional Hospital. As their family and friends from the outlying communities wish to visit, particularly in the case of a long-term illness, they must rely on friends, hotels or commuting back and forth to Rae. In some cases, this is unaffordable. In all cases, it is inconvenient.
Last week, my colleague for Hay River North raised the issue of the need for accommodation for families of women from Hay River who have come to Yellowknife to give birth. Without temporary accommodations for their families, these women are separated, for at least three weeks, from their loved ones. In some cases, arrangements must be made for child care as there are children in the family and arrangements must be made for accommodation and travel.
Until permanent physicians can be established in the communities, there is a definite need to provide accommodation for family members in Yellowknife. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services on this matter at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause