Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, timely access to healthcare and proper diagnosis is very important to residents of Hay River and the surrounding communities. I hear more often now that those who can afford it are bypassing medical travel and making their way south to seek those very services that are not being delivered here on a timely and consistent basis. For those that don't have financial resources to travel, they are forced to wait for services.

Mr. Speaker, we are seeing an increase in payments for out-of-territory healthcare. What is the reason for it, and will the department consider covering medical travel for those taking the extra step to seek timely healthcare services outside the NWT? Thank you.