Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I must raise a serious concern brought to me by some of my constituents. The Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities work together to provide handivan services to Hay River residents.

This essential transportation service helps people with disabilities or reduced mobility. With handivan services they can attend appointments, take job interviews, shop for groceries and complete other daily activities, all with ease and at reduced cost.

Once, Enterprise residents also had access to these services, but the hamlet has had this access cut off for more than the last year. That's not because the organizers want to. It's because the organization can't afford it. They are in a funding crunch.

There is absolutely no doubt that these services are much needed and well used. It's estimated that there are more than 100 pick-ups per month and more than 30 regular users, plus other clients who use a service on and off.

In the past the GNWT has said that this type of funding would be a municipal responsibility, but the GNWT must reconsider this position. Handivan services in Hay River and surrounding communities, including Enterprise, provide a specialized transportation service to individuals with unique medical needs. We must find a solution that will reinstate these services for our residents. Without the handivan, what other options do residents with disabilities have?

I'll have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Mahsi.