Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Minister of Health and Social Services had proposed to implement a new Supplementary Health Benefits Program on April 1, 2009, and has now proposed to defer the implementation of that program until September 1, 2009;

AND WHEREAS many northern seniors depend on the coverage for dental, vision, drugs and supplies for which they are eligible under the existing Extended Health Benefits Program;

AND WHEREAS many northern seniors live on fixed incomes, which do not allow them to absorb increased costs for drugs and other health care costs;

AND WHEREAS many northern families live with significant chronic diseases or chronic conditions and are prescribed expensive medications and supplies to manage those conditions;

AND WHEREAS there are many low-income Northerners who are not covered by an employer’s Supplementary Health Benefits Program and not eligible for coverage under the existing Extended Health Benefits Program;

AND WHEREAS the new Supplementary Health Benefits Program would have limited the coverage for some residents who are currently covered;

AND WHEREAS the new Supplementary Health Benefits Program would have created disenfranchised groups amongst NWT residents, contravening the principle of fair health coverage for all;

AND WHEREAS the performance of the existing program administration should be reviewed and evaluated;

AND WHEREAS the new implementation date of September 1, 2009, does not allow adequate time to conduct comprehensive research, engage stakeholders in meaningful consultation, develop a new program based on input from these stakeholders and comprehensive research and analysis, share the proposed program with the stakeholders for final consideration and approval, and implement the new program in a timely and responsible manner;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the Minister of Health and Social Services stop the implementation of the proposed Supplementary Health Benefits Program and develop a new policy and program to cover low-income families who do not have supplementary health benefits coverage through their employer;

AND FURTHER, extend the September 2009 implementation date to April 2010;

AND FURTHER, conduct comprehensive consultations with Northerners about the ways to improve the Supplementary Health Benefits Program and services offered by the department, including whether or not means testing should determine eligibility;

AND FURTHER, ensure that thorough research into the program’s complete costs and full implications is undertaken and presented to Northerners including:

1. the cost to the NWT of families moving south;

and

2. increased costs on the health care system

resulting from more people accessing services within hospitals;

AND FURTHERMORE, fully involve the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly in the review of new policy proposals before any implementation is considered.