Frieda Martselos

Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Crucial Fact

  • Her favourite word was know.
Historical Information Frieda Martselos is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly October 2023, as MLA for Thebacha

Lost her last election, in 2023, with 42% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Fort Smith Regional Airport February 12th, 2020

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk once again about the Fort Smith Regional Airport, to expand on the points that I raised last week. I felt that the answers I received from the Minister of Infrastructure were not clear or concise.

Mr. Speaker, I am told that, as a result of the narrowed runway, it is now more difficult to land planes in poor weather. As well, the new runway lights were placed on the pavement, which has made them more vulnerable to being struck by incoming and outgoing aircraft, whereas other airport runways across the NWT have their lights placed off the pavement top. As a result of these infrastructure changes, the Fort Smith Regional Airport is no longer a viable alternative airport for larger aircraft to land during emergencies. For example, in the event of a forest fire or other natural disaster, the size of aircraft that are now able to land is severely limited, making it impossible for any Air Canada or WestJet aircraft to land there anymore.

Mr. Speaker, what government destroys a perfectly good airport, an airport that could accommodate future growth in tourism and economic opportunity? These are open-ended questions that I and the residents of Thebacha would like to get to the bottom of. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 19-19(2): Email from Sheri Beamish Vogt regarding Medical Travel Denial dated February 10, 2020 Tabled Document 20-19(2): Email from Minister of Health and Social Services regarding Medical Travel Denial and Escort Policy dated February 10, 2020 Tabled Document 21-19(2): Ministerial Policy, Department of Health and Social Services: Medical Travel - Escort Criteria Tabled Document 22-19(2): Ministerial Policy, Department of Health and Social Services: Medical Travel - Exceptions Tabled Document 23-19(2): Ministerial Policy, Department of Health and Social Services: Medical Travel - Appeal Process February 11th, 2020

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table three documents: an email from the Thebacha constituency regarding medical travel escort denial; two, reply for the EA on behalf of the Minister Thom regarding the above constituent; and three, the Ministerial policy on medical travel escort criteria, exceptions, and the appeal process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 53-19(2): Application of Medical Travel Policy February 11th, 2020

Mr. Speaker, a complete evaluation of this department's Medical Travel Policy should be done in favour of a doctor's professional opinion and the patient's well-being. When will this be done?

Question 53-19(2): Application of Medical Travel Policy February 11th, 2020

Supporting our doctors in their decisions has always been my priority on behalf of the members of Thebacha and the NWT. Does the Minister feel doctors' decisions for a medical escort are vital and valid?

Question 53-19(2): Application of Medical Travel Policy February 11th, 2020

The person who denied the two cases that I mentioned in my Member's statement was done from a desk by departmental staff here in Yellowknife, a staff member who probably has no medical background, who dictates to our communities at large. Is this a professional medical practice that the Minister approves of?

Question 53-19(2): Application of Medical Travel Policy February 11th, 2020

Mr. Speaker, nowhere in the Medical Travel Policy does it mention whether the Minister or any government worker has the ability to overturn a doctor's recommendation for a non-medical escort, so my question is: under what authority does medical travel personnel have the ability to deny a non-medical escort despite a doctor telling a patient otherwise?

Department of Health and Social Services Medical Travel Policy February 11th, 2020

Mr. Speaker, for my Member's statement today, I would like to address the Department of Health and Social Services on their medical travel policy. In the past week, I have dealt with two separate cases for intervention; one case dealt with a stage 3 cancer patient, and another patient with possible serious outcomes. Both patients were approved for medical escorts by a doctor, and then overturned by the medical travel staff here in Yellowknife. This is a very concerning situation for the residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, the policy is quite vague when it comes to medical travel escort criteria. Worry and trauma for a patient who is authorized for an escort by a doctor should not be interfered with. Providing the best care for people of the NWT should be our priority.

Compromising people's well-being is unacceptable. Many people, when facing serious medical problems, do not want to face and fight the department for what they believe is a right. Compassion and respect for a doctor's authority must be respected and honoured. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 32-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Affirmative Action Policy February 10th, 2020

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories, policy 14.03 pertaining to the Affirmative Action Policy states, "The Government of the Northwest Territories will give preference in employing, training, and promoting qualified suitable and eligible target group persons." What has the government done to train and promote these target group persons?

Question 32-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Affirmative Action Policy February 10th, 2020

The Affirmative Action Policy states that all departments and agencies within the public service will plan and implement affirmative action measures. Senior management made a statement to Regular MLAs that there have never been an evaluation of the Affirmative Action Policy. What action is the government going to take to evaluate the Affirmative Action Policy?

Question 32-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories Affirmative Action Policy February 10th, 2020

Who is involved in the appeal process when priority candidates are unsuccessful at obtaining employment?