Committee Members continued the practice of "theme days" as a way of working together to publicize, heighten awareness, and bring focus to issues of public concern. During the time allotted for Member's statements and during question period, Members would focus on a particular issue. The rules of the Legislative Assembly allow a period of time for Members of the Legislative Assembly to make a two-and-one-half minute statement on any matter.

Question period is typically one of the most publicized parts of the Assembly's proceedings and it provides an opportunity for Members of the Legislative Assembly to call attention to public issues. During question period Members ask Ministers questions about government activity in order to seek out information. The responses are a way of making information about the government's activities public.

Mr. Speaker, Members prepared several theme days on important public issues, including: medical travel, affordable housing, the corporate capital planning process, and board governance.

In March 2002, Members raised concerns respecting the application of various aspects of the medical travel policy, including eligibility, provision and level of benefits on medical travel, intercommunity transportation, escorts, patient boarding and local transportation of indigent patients.

Mr. Speaker, Members are encouraged by the government's recent announcement in June 2003 of interim changes to the medical travel policy to assist residents who do not have third-party insurance coverage. The provisions for removal of the co-payment for families with incomes less than $80,000 and meals and accommodation assistance is a good first step to ensuring that all northern residents have access to appropriate medical treatment.