Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the day of the toothless smile in the Northwest Territories is gone, or is it, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, I say this and I ask this for one reason. I have been made aware that the NIHB, non-insured health benefits, relating to the dental program for status Indian and Inuit in the Northwest Territories has been taken over by Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, since they have taken over this program, trying to get dental treatment in the Northwest Territories has been difficult. In fact, when dentists send for approvals, Ottawa sends back a question asking if there is another alternative instead of the treatment plan that has been provided.
I have been given some numbers, Mr. Speaker, that show that in fact across Canada, based on 1999 statistics, the only other jurisdiction that has a lower cost per client is in Saskatchewan, where they average $317 per client. Here in the Northwest Territories, the average cost for clients is $351. When you look at Alberta, they have a $424 average cost per client.
Mr. Speaker, even when we look at the cost of per item of treatment that a dentist goes through, they are more expensive here in the Northwest Territories than most other jurisdictions. The fact is we are still getting less dollars per client in the Northwest Territories since Ottawa has taken over.
I wonder what they are pushing for when they ask for other alternatives. Instead of repairing teeth, are they back in the days when they came North to pull teeth? Mr. Speaker, that is a very serious concern to residents. It is an issue I have dealt with on behalf of a number of constituents. Again, I think it is an area we need to focus on. During question period, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.
-- Applause