Kilabuk takes up plight and rights of the disabled

Pangirtung MLA Peter Kilabuk told the legislature last week that he is worried about some of his constituents “who do not have access to the resources that they need to be able to live reasonably independently, with dignity and self-reliance.”

“I know there are others across Nunavut with similar needs,” Kilabuk said.

Kilabuk said the Department of Health and Social Services needs to make sure that the disabled receive the help they need and assistance in qualifying for equipment for under the Non-Insured Benefits Program.

“Our constituents can no longer be denied access to these motorized wheelchairs because their arms are still working and they are told that they need to exercise or because their wife or husband is still capable of pushing them in the wheelchair,” Kilabuk said. “It is about time that these people, our fellow Nunavummiut, were treated equally and with decency.”