Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me start off by thanking the Minister and the department today for listening to Members like myself and those who brought forward and supported a motion for change. Before I begin my general comments, I wish to remind everyone of the importance of what we are trying to accomplish today by recalling some startling facts.
A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and their tissue can help up to 50 people. With more than 5,000 Canadians on waiting lists for organ transplants, supply definitely cannot meet such demand. This is why, during my time as a legislator of the House, I strongly encouraged my colleagues and the department that we needed to improve this much dated act of 1988 and embarked on a mission of change, change that would modernize our approach to improving our Human Tissue Act with a comprehensive process, a framework and a proper consent process, all the while with the end goal of having all NWT residents having the ability of joining an online consent to donate registry.
Before I go further, it goes without saying, this journey did not start with me but is a continuance of many visionary Members who laid the groundwork for today. Members such as MLA Tony Whitford who, in 1994, tried to persuade Transportation Minister John Todd, who replied then, “It’s impractical.” Then it was Madam Chair herself, MLA Jane Groenewegen, in 1998 with Minister Calvin Ng with a response of, “We’re looking into the possibility of including an organ donation on the back of NWT health cards.” Of course, we know that this never occurred. Then in 2001 MLA Charles Dent raised the issue again with then Health Minister Michael Miltenberger, who announced a task force on organ and tissue donation. It was reported back in the House in August of 2002. Unfortunately, there was no legislative or public record of this task force report or action plan. In 2009, my other colleague MLA Mr. Robert Hawkins raised the issue with Health Minister Sandy Lee with a wavering reply of, “Organ donors or transplants are done in southern jurisdictions.” Finally, in 2013, my colleague MLA Norman Yakeleya, who currently seconded a motion I moved on the subject, who said, “It shows that we’re ready to move forward with a new organ donation plan. Indeed, he was right.”
It takes vision, faith and wisdom to support the necessary steps in improving our systems. My sincere thanks and admiration goes out to these former and current legislative Members who are paving the way for organ donation.
It is important to note that organ donation is, in itself, a difficult decision for any individual or family to make. As we move forward, I encourage all residents to have that important discussion with loved ones.
It goes without saying that I am equally appreciative that, in speaking with many elders throughout the Northwest Territories, we were able to enshrine and respect the cultural sensitivity around this legislation.
I know the department and the Minister share my interest on this legislation. I have utmost confidence they will continue the work needed in conjunction with the Government of Alberta to make this online consent to donate registry a smooth transition for all NWT residents. I know when this time happens, I will be one of the first in line to make that consent a reality.
The experience and preparation for today has been very humbling and extremely emotional for me personally. Amazingly, what started as a journey of bringing forward a private Members’ bill was soon marked with 100 percent support from all Regular Members in a motion of this House and then, finally, a welcoming legislative proposal from Cabinet.
It is interesting how things work out sometimes. Again, in support of this bill today, my many thanks reaches out to every Member of the Legislative Assembly and to the people they represent.
A journey usually starts with a purpose. In my case it started with a promise, a promise to a special northern family and to a very determined little Viking who is able to teach us many lessons. Promise fulfilled. Thank you, Madam Chair.