This is page numbers 4781 - 4806 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was health.

Topics

Passing Of Louis Mckay
Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Today I would like to talk about an elder and a friend who passed recently. Louis McKay passed away on March 19th in Fort Resolution at the age of

78. Louis was born in Fort Resolution in 1931 and from a very young age began working and didn’t stop until he was forced to retire at age 65.

Louis first started working when he was a young man, by selling blocks of ice to the Hudson Bay Company and the Ministry of Transportation. Later he started working for the Hudson Bay Company as a stock boy and then became a forest ranger and firefighter, and then moved on to work for the Northern Canada Power Commission for about five or six years. At around that time, the Pine Point Mine was starting up, so Louis packed up his family and moved to Pine Point to work for the mine. He spent the next 17 and a half years there and that’s where his two daughters, Margaret and Dolores, were raised.

After the mine shut down in 1988, Louis and his wife, Mary, moved back to Fort Resolution where he started his career with the local housing authority, working as a tradesman until his retirement. With only limited formal education, Louis managed to become proficient as a painter, carpenter, electrician, and plumber. Even in his retirement, Louis kept busy around the house and helping others with small jobs here and there. He was always fixing things.

In his spare time Louis enjoyed playing the fiddle. He taught himself to play at a young age and perfected his playing throughout his life. Some of today’s younger fiddlers say that Louis’s style was

unique and that the way he played was very complex, his music is very difficult to cover.

Louis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary, his son, Donald, his two daughters, Margaret and Dolores, and he had 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and in-laws.

I would like to thank the family for allowing me to do this. It’s comforting to know that Louis’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Passing Of Louis Mckay
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to talk about the proposed changes to supplementary health benefits. Canada is a shining inspiration to the world. It continues to make great strides to represent itself as a beacon of hope, opportunity and fairness. I don’t believe the proposed changes to the supplementary health policy mirrors those principles in any way at all.

By taking away supplementary health benefits, this will go down as a great case study many years from now when people watch and wonder what happened. Why did the GNWT start acting like Ottawa? If the Minister and this Cabinet continue to circle around this policy, it will truly be a dark day for consensus government.

Let me be clear. Could our health care system benefit from a fiscal review? Absolutely. However, should a policy on supplementary health benefits passed by the last government tie the hands of this Assembly? It should not. If you will notice, some of the major distractions of the 16th Assembly have all

been around what was signed off by the last Premier and Cabinet, then this Cabinet continues to circle around them and protect them without any question. I believe they have lost their way, and at times I wonder if they can think on their own.

May I remind this House of some of those brilliant policy decisions this Cabinet has been following. Remember the butchering of the board reform? What I like to call now the Deh Cho Bridge-gates? And certainly now the bitter pill served up as supplementary health benefits changes? All things that are important and certainly need to be discussed in their own way, but not at any cost and certainly not to our residents.

When will this Cabinet work to develop territorial policies with a vision of the 16th Assembly and not

the ghosts of the 15th Assembly that keep haunting

or lurking in the halls upstairs? If you ask the Minister, she’ll say it’s not about the money. But

let’s be serious; who is she kidding? Of course it’s about the money. But when I ask her to hire an efficiency expert to look at how the department does its business just like big and small companies out there, it got brushed off like it didn’t matter.

The Ministers say it’s about the working poor. What’s stopping her? If this government really cared about the working poor they would have stopped dragging their heels over three to four years ago to provide coverage immediately to those working poor who definitely need it.

I view this Territory as a family, regardless of their background.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

I don’t see one opportunity that the government has taken to revisit this, other than cutting benefits to the sick and elderly simply down racial and cultural lines. No, because there of course has been no direction from the 15th Assembly to do that. That’s why.

I question if this policy was reversed if it would stand the test of fairness. I’d say no. This policy is about division, not about unity. It preys on people’s differences by splitting our Territory down cultural lines and I believe it’s truly not fair and extremely hurtful to a lot of people out there.

In closing, the Minister has not gone to the doctors who want to provide solutions. The pharmacy association has been begging to provide input. This may not legally be wrong, it may not be technically wrong regarding human rights, but I can guarantee you it’s morally wrong and our constituents are suffering.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently I was approached by a constituent about a matter that I believe has been lurking out there for a while and I have given the Minister of Health and Social Services a heads-up that I’m going to be raising this issue.

We value greatly our physicians and surgeons and medical practitioners in the Northwest Territories. We have had difficulty in the past recruiting and retaining people in this profession. I want to state clearly from the outset of this Member’s statement that this is not about the 99.9 percent of people who take up this profession. However, I have some serious concerns about a physician who has been practicing here in the Northwest Territories and

about a process that would call his conduct and credentials and past experience and history into light.

Like every other profession, even physicians and specialists need a process in place that allows their credentials and conducts to be reviewed when irregularities occur. It is sad when one or two people of questionable motives and ethics can bring their own name and that of their profession into question. The public interest and safety of NWT patients needs to be the business of this government and this Minister.

I have reason to believe that there is a doctor in the Northwest Territories who has continued to practice in spite of safeguards such as a panel of peers by way of the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ best efforts to hold him accountable through a complaints process. I believe that constituents of mine have been harmed by the practices of this physician. Everyone deserves their day in court, but the court has failed to hold this doctor accountable.

I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services today about the process of complaints and the disposal of those complaints when a certain physician continues to practice when these complaints are outstanding against them.

I’ve been known to have the odd fight and I’ve got to tell you, this is an issue that has me very, very upset. I understand this physician has hidden behind, while he has harmed people, the threat of suing people. If he’s listening today I’d like to say bring it on, because he’s going to be dealing with me and I know people who have been hurt by him and I’m going to get to the bottom of this. I tell you, I have the skill, the ability and the experience to do that. If he thinks he can sue me, bring it on, but he’s going to be coming into the light of day.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Lee.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker, I thought the Clerk was going to read it. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Robert Hawkins on March 4, 2010, regarding radiologists contract status.

In 2009 the Diagnostic Imaging Pictures Archiving and Communications System, known as DI/PACS, was implemented in the Northwest Territories. The DI/PACS allows for radiology examinations to be stored and retrieved in a digital format. The DI/PACS also allows for X-ray images to be sent over a secure Internet connection to other health care providers. With the addition of this technology

the NWT had an opportunity to look at the service delivery model used in the Northwest Territories to see if there were opportunities to enhance radiology services.

In mid-2009 the decision to change the service delivery model was made to have one locum radiologist on site -- one currently provided 26 weeks of the year, and the balance is covered by repeating locums -- to provide on-the-ground support for the physicians and diagnostic imaging staff.

A second radiologist service provided remotely uses the DI/PACS technology. This service allows for 24-hour/seven days a week, 52-weeks of the year, thereby providing better radiologist coverage for the residents of the Northwest Territories.

A request for proposals was issued for remote radiology services in late 2009 and the contract was awarded to Radiology Consultants Associated Organization located in Calgary, Alberta. The remote services started in January 2010 and the feedback on the service being provided has been excellent. Stanton Territorial Health Authority is not aware of any dispute regarding this contract or any previous radiologist contracts.

Sandy Lee

Sandy Lee Range Lake

I have another return to oral question asked by Ms. Wendy Bisaro on March 24, 2010, regarding wait times to see medical specialists in the Northwest Territories.

As I stated in the House, the topic of wait times is a national issue. The international physician shortage and changing population demographics impact wait times around the world. Our medical director is working with health care providers and the chief executive officers of the health and social services authorities, constantly monitor wait time lists both here and in the South. Wait times are generally the same length down south as they are in the North.

While we do not have wait time standards per se, I can provide the following information:

People who need emergency surgery or

treatment receive it without delay.

Specialists are a territorial resource and serve the entire NWT.

As part of the Territorial Service Plan, the

feasibility of expanding specialist services by using a mobile team to the Inuvik Regional Hospital is being considered.

Over the past few years, the Stanton Territorial Health Authority has taken steps to increase the volume of surgical procedures through the better management of patient and existing resources.

The adoption of innovative technologists will allow local and distant professionals to assess patient needs and better provide specialist services. This will enhance the efficiencies, lower costs related to travel and fees for specialists, and potentially reduce wait times. Most importantly, this will provide a tool for seamless case management for patients using specialist services at Stanton and for southern referrals.

By effectively managing this costly service at a territorial level, we can maximize efficiencies to ensure we are getting the best value for our resources.

Wait times as of March 2010 are:

elective consult for general surgery: one year;

elective consult for internal medicine: nine

months to one year;

urgent consult in a permanent specialty area: one week to one month;

urgent consult with a visiting specialist:

depends on the next visit, ranging from monthly to quarterly depending on the sub-specialty;

the two visiting specialists with the longest wait times are neurology and urology;

non-urgent consult: one to two years;

non-urgent endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and cystoscopy: two years;

non-urgent endoscopic procedures such as

colonoscopy: two years;

knee or hip replacements: approximately one year.

As a way of historical background I’d like to provide you with the following:

The number of patients seen by the internal medicine specialist at Stanton Territorial Health Authority’s medical clinic more than doubled in three years. Patients seen increased from 1,682 to 3,612.

The number of patients seen by the general surgery speciality at Stanton Territorial Health Authority’s Medical Centre increased by 46 percent over the past three years. Patients seen increased from 2,625 to 3,834.

The year-over-year growth for colonoscopy

performed between 2007-08 and 2008-09 increased by 21 percent. Stanton Territorial Health Authority’s internal medical specialists and general surgeons performed 2,189 colonoscopies in 2008-09.

Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Abernethy.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent of the Great Slave riding, Ms. Lena Pedersen, who is also a member of the Elders Parliament and a former Member of this House.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Jackson Lafferty.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to recognize Ms. Sarah Wright-Cardinal who is here with us in the gallery. She is the president of Aurora College and she is travelling through the communities, all 33 communities. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Ramsay.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve got a few people I’d like to recognize. I’ve got constituents Estrelle and Ford Sumcad in the gallery today. As well, I’d like to recognize Chief Eddie Sangris from the Yellowknives Dene. As well, city councillor Lydia Bardak and city councillor David Wind. As well, I see my former boss and former constituent Mr. Larry Adamson I’d like to recognize as well. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Bromley.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Weledeh resident Chief Eddie Sangris from Dettah. I’d also like to give special recognition to my elder, Mr. Ed Jeske. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Bob McLeod.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased to recognize Gloria Reyes, a constituent from Yellowknife South. Also, Larry Adamson, a long-time colleague of mine; and Mr. Hockey, Mr. Ed Jeske.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Yakeleya.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Norman Yakeleya

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize Ms. Sarah Wright-Cardinal also, from the Aurora College, and thank her for the tour in the Sahtu.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Ms. Bisaro.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t get constituents all that often, but I’d like to recognize constituent Larry Adamson up there behind me. I, too, would like to recognize Mr. Ed Jeske, a former colleague of mine. Welcome.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Mr. Hawkins.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this occasion I’d like to continue to recognize Mr. Ed Jeske, a constituent and well-known Yellowknifer, certainly; Mr. David Wind, city councillor as well as a constituent and also somebody who has been trumpeting these supplementary health benefit changes quite loudly; and Ms. Lydia Bardak, councillor, who was mentioned earlier, another constituent of Yellowknife Centre; and lastly, I’d like to make special note, as well, to Sarah Wright-Cardinal, who is the president of Aurora College. I want to recognize her from the point of view of I hear she’s doing a fantastic job and one of these days I’ll be taking up her offer to come down and visit the Fort Smith campus. So I look forward to that occasion.