Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement will be on medical travel. When people travel down south, whether it is to Yellowknife or to Edmonton, I want to talk about these concerns.
Mr. Speaker, the travelling for treatment is becoming a stumbling block in the communities. Mr. Speaker, Tlicho people face problems when they have to access our health care system in Yellowknife or Edmonton. These problems are compounded by the changes to the medical travel escort program that occurred just prior to division, and also compounded by difficulties in accessing translation services in Yellowknife and especially in Edmonton, Mr. Speaker.
Medical facilities can be intimidating for anyone, especially coming from a small community like Gameti or Wekweeti, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that the present medical travel program, the medical escort program, or even the translation services available in Edmonton meets the needs of the northern people, especially the Tlicho people. Our elders are being sent by themselves to Yellowknife for medical treatment and appointments, Mr. Speaker. The boarding home does a good job, Mr. Speaker, but it is not the same as having a family member with you that speaks the English language.