Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, I talked to the director of operations of the Stanton Regional Health Board. I had concerns about how the contracts for medical travel are given out. Right now, these contracts are done as a package. The successful bidder provides medical transportation services to several communities. North Slave contractors are concerned that they do not have the same opportunities to bid on these contracts as Yellowknife contractors.
I looked into this matter, and the way the contracts are tendered, small contractors do not have a chance to be successful on their bids. In particular, it does not make sense for the government to pay for Yellowknife cabs to pick up a person in Rae to bring them to the hospital. Later, the patient is returned to Rae, and the cab comes back empty to Yellowknife. Essentially, two empty trips are made for each patient from Rae who calls for medical transportation. I am sure that a more cost-effective service can be provided. At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services regarding this matter. Thank you.