In my research on this issue I’ve talked to a number of pharmacists, and it’s clear to me, through discussions with them, that the majority of palliative patients are experiencing delays. They are submitting applications that have to go through the department before they get to Alberta Blue Cross. Alberta Blue Cross has a fairly quick and rapid turn-around time; there’s no question — within 24 hours. It’s getting it to them that’s taking a long time.

We need an expedited process for palliative patients in the Northwest Territories to ensure that they do not have to go out-of-pocket. And they are going out-of-pocket. And if they can’t afford to go out-of-pocket, then they go without until they’ve been approved by the G.N.W.T., the standard or Supplementary Health Benefits.

Once again, I’d like to ask the Minister to develop, or have the department develop, a comprehensive palliative care drug benefits program which includes a formula so that every time a medication is changed or a prescription is changed for the pain management of one of our residents who is

palliative, they don’t have to resubmit another application.