Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are the last funding agency left with APYS as far as we know. The Nunavut government and the Alberta government have taken steps to relocate their clients for the issues that have been discussed for some time now. Mr. Speaker, we have arranged alternate placements. At the end of the day, as adults, if they refuse to move, we will work with them to ensure that they are connected to Alberta Health and Social Services, that they take advantage of the services that are available within the city and provided by the Alberta government. We will also be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories, like the other 12 provincial jurisdictions will all be getting their lists ready for post-June 28th when we know who in fact the government in the land will be at the federal level. So I can assure the Member that the issue he has raised in this House is one that is on our list and we will be moving on that when we, once again, know who the government of the day will be at the federal level. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had discussions with Minister McLellan before she moved from her portfolio, with Minister Pettigrew, about the possibility of moving those people from the northern secretariat who administer programs in the health area on behalf of the people in the Northwest Territories to the North. At this point they are only discussions, but the intent across the board is as we look at devolution in talking with DIAND and in talking with Health Canada is to have those services and programs that are administered by federal civil servants as close to the people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we look at the needs of the clients. The clients who are sent to southern facilities, it’s done because they have a lot of needs, in many cases needs that are not able to be met in the Northwest Territories or at the facilities we have, we have no more room. So, Mr. Speaker, we have committed to look at the particular situation of clients who are down there, and the possibility of repatriation both for the long term and short term. We will be very cognizant of the issue of the cultural and northern component. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a department, as a health and social services system, we are looking at how we do business on a constant basis. This issue with Alberta clients in Edmonton has brought a particular component of that system into close scrutiny. As I indicated to the Member this morning and in our meetings, we are prepared to look at the repatriation in the short term of those who are able, and in the longer term of those who have higher needs. We will also be looking at how we, as a system, can provide the service in the North, keep the dollars in the North, and address...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated as well this morning, we commit to keeping the concerned parties in this situation fully apprised of the events as they unfold. Once the transitions are made, we will continue to monitor very closely and continue to provide that same information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tuberculosis continues to exist as a disease and there are approximately eight to 12 cases a year. What has improved is our ability to make sure that we don’t miss those cases. We had a case a number of years ago, I believe the Member will recall in his own riding, and there was a lot of circumstances and we learned a very hard lesson from that and have taken great steps to ensure the medical staff in the communities is trained, that there are TB protocols that are adhered to and when things are identified, this is one of the things tested for and when TB...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just quickly to recap, on May 17th an individual was sent out for treatment for what was thought to be cancer, and it turned out to be a very contagious form of TB. It was judged at that time that this individual had been in the community for a while, and being as it was highly infectious there were steps taken to go to the community with health practitioners. About 15 individuals were subsequently flown to Inuvik where they were tested. The majority of them returned home. Some have been identified that they may require follow-up and treatment. They...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the intent of the alcohol and drug mental health strategy was to specifically initially look at the alcohol and drug workers, and recognized that for years they have laboured in relative isolation and at a very, very low level of pay with no benefits. Tied in with that was the recognized need that mental health services, as well, can supplement the work done by alcohol and drug workers. The alcohol and drug workers are subsequently reclassified, and need title to community wellness workers, and we have added some mental health workers to the mix as well...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are waiting lists, I would suggest, in every community for housing. If the Member has a specific suggestion in terms of some creative partnerships and financing that could be done that’s not going to require capital, then I am sure, as a government and as a Housing Corporation, the Minister would be very interested in hearing what those suggestions are. Thank you.