Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. There’s been some discussion around the best way to go and I think the consensus of the Regular Members at our last discussion was that they would like to have one set of general comments with the response from the Minister in between before the next Member speaks. So I know we did try that three and one on one department, but it would appear that people would rather have their comments responded to individually. Thank you, Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. I will now open the floor for general comments on the Department of Health and Social Services. Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Is committee agreed?

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Minister Abernethy.

I will call the House back to order. The committee has agreed that we are to proceed with the estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. At this time, I would like to ask Minister Abernethy if he would like to deliver his opening remarks.

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Minister Abernethy.

Given that some of these diseases that can be prevented through immunization and vaccination are highly contagious, I would like to suggest to the Minister that it would be good if our real data that we can get our hands on would indicate a higher rate of uptake than what he has indicated here today in the House.

I’d like to ask the Minister, is he aware of any resistance to people receiving this service, or would this be more from lack of awareness or knowledge of the immunization and vaccination? Are these numbers reflective of people who would resist having those services for their children...

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. One need only turn on their television lately and watch the news and we will hear about the resurgence of diseases, such as measles, that we had not for many years heard of because of the extensive immunization and vaccination programs that were available through public health.

I’d like to specifically now zero in on the Northwest Territories and ask the Minister if there have been any new cases or have there been any diseases or infections that have surfaced which are related to the immunization or...