I am pleased to be here today to address Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Medical Care Act.

The Medical Care Act establishes that “medically necessary” services provided by a doctor are insured services.

The act also defines who is eligible for insured services and expressly excludes some residents from coverage under the act. For example, members of the Canadian Armed Forces are not eligible for payments of insured services under the Medical Care Act. This is because members receive similar benefits under relevant federal legislation.

Until recently, the Medical Care Act was consistent with the definition of insured persons under the Canada Health Act. In June 2012 the federal government amended their legislation so that RCMP members are no longer excluded from being an insured person.

The amendments being proposed to the Medical Care Act will ensure that the act is once again consistent with the Canada Health Act.

It should be noted that federal legislation is paramount and even if we did not make this change, RCMP members stationed in the Northwest Territories are eligible for coverage under the NWT Health Care Plan.

Changes to the federal act were implemented in the NWT on April 1, 2013, so members have been eligible for NWT health care coverage since then. This change to the Medical Care Act is being proposed for consistency and to avoid any confusion.

That concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have.