Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in times of hardship, the communities of the Nahendeh riding always come together. A valuable Member of the riding is Darcy Lafferty of Fort Simpson.
For the last couple of years, Darcy has been a reliable non-medical escort for many patients in the Nahendeh riding. He realized the value of being a non-medical escort after he escorted his father when he was ill. Darcy began accompanying friends and family so that he could be there for them in their time of need, like he was there for his father. Soon enough, Darcy became known as a very reliable escort by all patients, so they began to request him by name.
Thus far, Darcy Lafferty has escorted patients on more than 70 appointments. Although most trips are to Yellowknife, Darcy has accompanied patients to Edmonton. His longest trip was six days long. He sits next to the patients going to and from Yellowknife or Edmonton and riding back home to and from appointments, and calming their nerves when they are nervous. He is relied upon by the patients and residents. He puts them at ease and ensures that the patient knows what is going on. He is punctual in getting them to their appointments and making sure he has all the patients need.
Darcy is always prepared. For himself, he always has a packed bag at home in case he comes back from escorting one patient and has to go the next day escorting another. Despite facing difficult challenges during certain medical trips, Darcy continues to serve with a smile and continues to accept patients when requested. Darcy's commitment while escorting patients is 24/7. He never leaves the patients, even during times outside of the medical appointment. Darcy is so reliable that other patients at the boarding home who Darcy is not escorting will request his assistance. Darcy gladly helps them out after checking that the patient he is escorting is okay with them.
Mr. Speaker, Darcy has served a valuable role for our medical system, supporting patients. Unfortunately, it is tiring and he has missed out on employment opportunities as a result. An ironic thing about this is that, when Darcy required a medical escort, he had nobody available.
Due to challenges in our region, it is increasingly difficult to find non-medical travel escorts. Some patients have no families to accompany him, and those close to them are unable to leave home and Darcy is their saving grace. I would like to thank Darcy from myself and the residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.