Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services. Recently, I had a round of constituent meetings in my riding and the concern arose from the meeting in Kakisa regarding medical travel. I was informed that there is no form of compensation for medical travel when any patient travels through the communities of Yellowknife or Hay River for medical attention. The only time there is compensation is when there is a referral. Mr. Speaker, there are no physicians, doctors, or nurses in the community of Kakisa and if you have to see a dentist, doctor, or a nurse, you have to travel to a larger centre. Most of the community members in Kakisa are seniors and most do not have vehicles. So, they have to rely on family members or taxis from outside the community to travel. There seems to be no form of reimbursement or any financial compensation for their travel. It can be very costly.

I would like to ask the Minister if there are any services or programs available to the people in the smaller communities to assist with medical travel costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.