Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, a wide range of dental services are covered for First Nations and Inuit people. This includes diagnostic services like x-rays, preventative services like cleanings, and restorative services like fillings, as well as more specialized care like root canals, gum treatments, dentures, and orthodontics. Why, then, are good dental services so hard to come by in our small communities?

In Fort Providence, there is no resident dentist or dental hygienist. Local dental services are provided when dental teams contracted by the GNWT visit and operate out of the Snowshoe Inn Centre. Residents tell me that these visits are often inconsistent, brief, and poorly advertised, making people miss opportunities to have their teeth cared for locally. I have also heard that residents struggle to schedule set appointments with these teams, making care even harder to plan for.

The alternative is to make private arrangements to travel through Yellowknife or Hay River, but for many, that is just not feasible. An elder recently visited Yellowknife alone to address a problem tooth, but was mistakenly reported missing by his family. Another resident was told by health centre staff that he would have to travel to Yellowknife on his own. This person does not have his own vehicle or disposable income for travel. Is he supposed to wait until he gets so sick that he needs a medevac?

I am not exaggerating, Mr. Speaker. Medical research shows that gum disease is linked to increased risk of heart disease and that dental infections and tooth loss can also lead to serious health problems, not to mention the pain and lowered quality of life that come with poor oral health.

Our governments have a fiduciary responsibility to deliver dental services to First Nations people, who have a right to get the care that they need promptly and, as much as possible, in their own home community. Not only that, it is also clear that providing good dental services is an important step in preventative care. It just makes good business sense.

I have previously written to the Minister, urging him to take steps to address the community's issues with dental services. Some residents have also suggested that services could be delivered from Yellowknife rather than Hay River, as is currently in practice. Whatever the decision, the community must be involved. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. I don't want to be a sore tooth, Mr. Speaker, but if there is one thing that I know for sure, it is that toothaches point to problems that need to get fixed as soon as possible. Mahsi.