Mr. Speaker, Some MLAs have met the Executive Director of the NWT Disabilities Council. And all 19 of us heard from this organization as a group together right after we were elected. The council continues to have serious concerns regarding the extended health benefits policy which was originally scheduled to change on April 1 of this year. As announced at the end of January, it's now slated for roll out in September.
I'm happy that the department took the direction to ensure access to extended health benefits for folks of limited means, but I have concerns with the knock-on impacts to residents who might be negatively affected by this policy change. The last government noted in October 2023 that 2,200 people in our territory are likely eligible for EHB under this new policy. There is a concern that some of those 2,200 people may make enough money to not be eligible for coverage but also not have adequate coverage through their place of work. What will that then mean for maintaining a healthy workforce across the spectrum of opportunities in the North? There are concerns that folks will only want to work where there is extensive workplace health insurance if indeed they can get those jobs. There is the possible implication of increases in emergency room usage as people who lose part or all of their coverage under the old policy due to changes may feel compelled to attend the ER to deal with chronic issues where it is free to do so. Those are just two big picture examples that were shared with us as concerns from the council. And so, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you.