Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS in September 2000, First Ministers adopted a vision for publicly funded health services delivered to Canadians in a cost-effective and fair manner no matter where they live;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut face extraordinary costs in making sure that their residents have access to health care services, facilities and professionals;

AND WHEREAS the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada recommended in November 2002 special consideration for the health needs of aboriginal Canadians and Canadians living in the territories and rural and remote communities;

AND WHEREAS provincial Premiers recognized in January 2003 that health reform and the financing of health reform must take into account the special circumstances of the territories through the establishment by the federal government of a Territorial Health Care Fund;

AND WHEREAS the three territorial Premiers chose not to support federal health renewal provisions and funding arrangements arising from the February 4 to 5, 2003, First Ministers meeting and have continued since then to collaborate on solutions which will benefit all territorial residents;

AND WHEREAS the Prime Minister and Health Minister McLellan have recognized that national health reform program funding to the territories which is based upon per capita will simply not produce an improvement in health and health care services;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Thebacha, that this Assembly urges the Prime Minister to establish a Territorial Health Care Fund to address the unique challenges and special needs of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut residents.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.