Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on May 17, 2010, regarding health care funding in the NWT.

As of June 2010 there are 40,966 residents with valid health care coverage.

Under the federal Canada Health Act, residents may depart the NWT and maintain their NWT health care coverage for three months before applying for coverage under their new province/territory of residence. The three-month waiting period is shared between different provinces and territories in order to separate temporary from more permanent residents, and also applies to persons who are moving to the NWT from another province/territory. The Department of Health and Social Services regularly audits claims and follows up with residents that receive services outside of the NWT for periods of three months or longer.

In order to receive out-of-territory coverage, residents must request approval for extended out-of-territory stays. Residents that are eligible for out-of-territory coverage are: students enrolled in full-time studies, patients on referred medical travel, government supported athletes, temporary workers, and individuals on southern placements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.