The Health Minister is apologizing for comments made in the House of Assembly during Question Period on Thursday.
Minister Haggie was questioned about accessing medical treatment via the Medical Transportation Assistance Program, or MTAP, by the NDP’s Jordan Brown.
Brown asked for a fair system that “does not discriminate against Labradorians.” Haggie responded that he would argue “there is discrimination in favour of Labradorians,” who get $1000 dollars up front for airfare to leave their communities to travel to the island for health care.
In a release issued on Friday, PC member Lela Evans said Minister Haggie is “totally out of touch with the reality of Labradorians trying to access health services” – many of whom have to fundraise for travel to the island for even basic services. She suggested that he should apologize.
Haggie says he believes some people may have misinterpreted his comments, and that he did not mean to diminish or dismiss the financial hardships that the people of Labrador face when travelling for medical care.
He says the current MTAP Program in the province is one of the most comprehensive in the country.
Haggie says his department is constantly reviewing such programs, and that he will continue to work with MHAs on this issue.
Good morning,I have received some correspondence from people regarding a question that was asked to me about the…
Posted by Dr. John Haggie on Saturday, December 12, 2020