Okay. If we are going to truly analyze this option and this is something that we really are serious about pursuing, we are obviously going to have to get some costing of this and quite soon. We have been looking at this problem for quite some time. I know one of the Members asked for information on the co-payment and what, in fact, we collect each year and how many of these $250 payments amount to this $1 million that we talk about. So we are going to need accurate information, we are going to need accurate costing, if we are going to talk about the expansion of this program. When we get that information and that costing, we will see that it really is a small segment of residents of the Northwest Territories that are excluded unfairly and when we have that information, we can talk about the value in having an equitable system and an equitable plan that covers everybody and doesn't exclude anybody. If we have the costing information on that, we can then weigh it out. I think it's going to show that it really wouldn't cost us very much money to do the right thing and expand this program. So I hope the Minister will pursue this and pursue it with vigor and handle this quickly because I think we need some information. Time is running out and I know Members on this side of the House are interested in pushing for this kind of equal coverage for all residents.
Brendan Bell on Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
In the Legislative Assembly on February 19th, 2003. See this statement in context.
supplementary Health Programs
Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 18th, 2003
Page 181
See context to find out what was said next.