Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After almost a half-century of oil sands development impacts the Department of Health and Wellness finally announced on September 29 of this year a community health investigation into Fort McKay.

This assessment comes years after the disturbing AHS reports on cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan, a report that only resulted yet again in inaction on this government’s part. To the minister of health: what are the specific timelines for the promised Fort McKay community health assessment?

Mr. Horne: Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the specific timelines on hand with me in the Chamber. I’d be happy to get back to the hon. member on that. I can report to the House that the process is proceeding as intended, that the atmosphere is collaborative, and that I have every hope that we will achieve the objectives that were set in that agreement.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again to the health minister. Given the recent tragic suicides and drug-related shootings that have affected Alberta’s First Nation communities, will the health assessment cover mental health and addictions?

Mr. Horne: Mr. Speaker, I believe the intention of the exercise is to cover as broad a subset of the health sector as possible. The factors that the hon. member raises are important factors in the analysis of any health issue. I have every confidence, as I said, that this review will address a comprehensive . . .

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again to the minister, Mr. Speaker: given that residents in Fort Chip have been suffering from higher than average cancer rates, which were first revealed by Dr. John O’Connor, when will the minister order a community health assessment for the Fort Chip community?

Mr. Horne: Well, Mr. Speaker, the data that the hon. member refers to has been reported widely in the media. My concern, as with the situation in Fort McKay, is that we’re able to work collaboratively with the community and arrive at a plan, an approach that will work for all people involved. I have every expectation that we will be able to do what we have done in Fort McKay eventually with the citizens of Fort Chipewyan.

Alberta Hansard, December 6, 2011

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