Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most residents of the Northwest Territories, when they get sick, they go see a doctor. Many times people are given the standard advice when they develop symptoms of illness: consult with your family physician. But in Nunakput, doctors’ visits are few and far between. Sometimes it can go as long as six or seven months, Mr. Speaker. That’s not acceptable.
Compounded by another issue that is equally important, especially during the H1N1 swine flu developments, are that our nurses diagnose patients, and if in their opinion the situation warrants, then a patient will be referred to a doctor. Mr. Speaker, most resident of the Northwest Territories do not have to go through this additional layer in the waiting times. When they have a problem, they go see the doctor directly. When regional health authorities have shortages of doctors, it’s always the smaller and remote communities that are left behind. We’re put on the backburner. We’re not given a fair share of doctors’ visits, Mr. Speaker, and that’s a shame.