Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Department of Health and Social Services, administers two separate health benefit programs. One is the GNWT Supplementary Health Program, which is both funded and administered by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the programs include the Extended Health Benefits Program for seniors, the Chronic Disease Program, Metis Health Benefits and the Indigent Health Benefits Program. Mr. Speaker, the second health benefits program is funded by the federal government and is also administered by the Department of Health and Social Services. This program is for registered First Nations and Inuit, regardless of age, income or place of residence in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services has policies for all of their programs that are modelled on their services and provisions of the NIHB program. This was done to ensure some equity amongst all residents of the Northwest Territories.

All these programs, Mr. Speaker, say that they are insurers of last resort. This means that if any resident has private health insurance through their employer or company, they are expected to use that insurance first.

Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, there have been many statements made by First Nations leaders expressing concern that there appears to be an erosion in the level of benefits allowed under the NIHB. Even Ministers of this government have expressed concern in this Assembly about an increase in the number of services being disallowed under NIHB guidelines, resulting in an increased cost to the Territories.

Mr. Speaker, a Dene elder cannot decide that the benefits are better under the extended health seniors' benefits program and apply for benefits under that policy. If he or she does not have private insurance, they must take what is allowed under the NIHB guidelines.

I am concerned, Mr. Speaker, that different rules are being used to determine eligibility for supplementary health benefits, especially in the area of medical transportation. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister questions on this issue during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause