August 13, 2004
Pregnant Greenlander stranded in Montreal
Nunavut welcomes Prime
Minister, and anticipates a visit from DIAND Minister
JANE GEORGE
In another case last week, Nunavik House refused lodging to a resident of Kuujjuaq
a young pregnant woman from Greenland, who is now living in Kuujjuaq
with her common-law beneficiary spouse, who is a beneficiary of the James Bay
and Northern Quebec Agreement.
She was recently medevaced to Montreal when doctors feared she might deliver
before her due date in September.
She was told she couldnt deliver her baby in Kuujjuaq if it arrived before
September, due to the lack of doctors: if she returned to Kuujjuaq, it would
be at her own risk.
But she was also told she couldnt stay at Nunavik House after her release
from hospital, either, to await the birth of her baby, who is a future beneficiary.
Until being called by the Nunatsiaq News, Ginette Taillon, coordinator of the
Northern Module, which provides patient services to Nunavimmiut in Montreal,
was unaware of this case, but then said there are always alternatives
to being out on the street.
Were well organized enough that everyone receives adequate care.
We have more pregnant women, its true, but we are organized for this.
They need to be well taken care of, she said.
Taillon said the reason this pregnant Greenlandic woman was refused lodging
is because she lacks a valid Canadian health card.
TOP
|