Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As many of you might know, I was absent from the House on Friday. I was en route to Edmonton. I was transporting relatives who wished to visit and to support a sick family member.
Because there is a lack of medical services for patients who need special medical care in the North, the health care board will pay the travel costs of some family members who wish to be near a relative in a southern hospital.
In my region, where many people are part of a large, extended family, separating the patient from his or her family is very hard. As well, it is very costly for relatives to visit.
I realize there is a serious shortage of doctors here in the North, and that Health and Social Services and the health boards are dealing with a health care system that is stretched to the limit. I seriously wonder why there are not facilities within our larger communities which can provide service to territorial patients.
There must be a more effective method of health care that allows patients to be nearer than 1000 miles from the support and care of their family members.
Family support is a part of health care and is an important aspect of the recovery process. At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this matter. Thank you.
-- Applause