I’d like to thank the Members for all the information and statements that they’ve presented today. I’d also like to thank many members of the public who have actively participated in expressing their views and concerns about how do we improve this program since it was announced in December.

As I have already stated in the House and outside, the changes to the Supplementary Health Benefits and the Catastrophic Drug Costs programs were designed because the Government of the Northwest Territories believed that nobody should be without access to supplementary health benefits because they can’t afford it. Under the current system that is happening, we do have a group of people who don’t get access to supplementary health benefits.

The government is committed to providing supplementary health benefits to eligible residents and families who do not have access to a plan. Conversely, we have to use our resources wisely and a government program should not be designed in a way that encourages people who can have third-party insurance to opt out of third-party insurance while at the same time not covering those people who do not have supplementary health benefits.

I believe the intent of the policy is reasonable and obviously provides comprehensive supplementary health benefits to those who cannot afford them, and protecting Northerners from catastrophic drug costs. Those who can afford to should contribute to the cost of benefits that supplement their health care.

The program details will be adjusted, and I have stated this on many occasions, to ensure that the program fulfils our intention and does not unfairly impact some of our residents. Also, the program redesign will ensure that the program is fair and equitable. The goal is to make sure that all residents in the NWT who need assistance will get it, particularly the low-income families, the seniors, and those with catastrophic costs of supplementary health care.

I have already stated on many occasions that we will work hard to bring together stakeholders in a public forum, as well as meeting with many NGOs and seniors’ societies who have expressed their views to us. I have already stated that we’ll do that in the form of two-way exchanges and workshops, because we understand, and I have learned, that there are lots of complex layers in dealing with supplementary health care plans.

I should also note that I have made it my practice as a Minister that I consult regularly with the Standing Committee on Social Programs on many issues. Not only that, I also make it a practice to invite Members who are not part of Standing Committee on Social Programs to have the benefit of the briefing or information that I’m providing and there’s no reason to think that I will not continue to do that. I intend to work very closely with the standing committee as we go through the public consultations process to deal with some of the shortfalls and many of the shortfalls that have been revealed since we announced that.

I’d like to thank the Members very much and the public for their input. I should also note lastly that as it is a convention for the Cabinet to not vote on a motion that is a recommendation, we will be abstaining from voting on the motion. But I would like to assure the Members that we take all of the views that were expressed today very, very seriously and we will consider them all.