Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In December of 2015, a final report titled "Northwest Territories Long-Term Care Program Review" was submitted to the Department of Health and Social Services. The report, some 288 pages, based on statistics and relevant data available at the time, identified requirements for long-term care facilities through the Northwest Territories. On March 11th of this year, the Minister of Health tabled a 17-page document that confirmed a substantial reduction in projected long-term care bed needs identified in the 2015 report, not only for Hay River, but for the NWT as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, in 2015, 48 beds were identified for Hay River, which included Enterprise and K'atlodeeche First Nation. Both reports appear to have overlooked the communities of Fort Resolution, Fort Providence, and Kakisa, which, combined, represent an additional population of 1,400 people and are in the Hay River catchment area.
Mr. Speaker, upon review of the reports, I have concluded that, through the use of statistical information only, projections can be skewed to meet the department's objectives of the day. Compared to the most current analysis, the 2015 analysis was comprehensive and looked beyond statistics by considering the tangible and intangible uniqueness of the NWT. It looked at a demonstrated higher incidence of chronic diseases, lack of available and appropriate housing, and limited and necessary supporting community-based infrastructure, all of which contribute to higher rates of institutionalization in the NWT as compared to Canada as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, the department, in the most recent analysis of extended care beds, makes the point of having seniors age in place through more effective homecare services. To accomplish this, the Minister of Health stated that the department is committed to improving supports by looking to clients, families, communities, government, and non-government agencies to assist. This sends a message to me that the government is looking for a way to offload responsibilities to an already taxed NGO sector, underfunded communities, and families who may not be in a position to offer 24-hour care. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted