SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Once again, the pressure is on Health and Social Services Minister Sandy Lee.

More than 125 people marched in front of the legislative assembly as it reconvened Tuesday in a scene reminiscent of last year when seniors and supporters gathered for a similar march - one which prompted Lee to hold off and promise future consultations before making any changes to supplementary health benefits.

Jan Stirling marches at the legislative assembly Tuesday, opposing planned changes to supplementary health benefits. Yellowknife regular MLAs, meanwhile, bombarded Health Minister Sandy Lee with questions about the changes in the legislative assembly which reconvened yesterday. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

All gathered yesterday were equally vehement in their opposition to a plan that would force a percentage of the NWT's non-aboriginal population, mostly seniors, to make co-payments on their current or future medical needs not covered under health care, such as prescriptions and eyeglasses. The income threshold for making co-payments would be either $30,000 or $50,000.

Blake Lyons, a YK Education District No. 1 school board trustee and seniors' rights advocate, said the government's move to make changes was cloaked in too much secrecy, and a lack of clear communication from the health department has made the problem worse than it needs to be.

"There are a lot of people who think there is a hidden agenda," said Lyons, adding a more open and transparent discussion with residents could lead to a solution to expanding health care benefits to some without forcing others to pay. "Don't impose an imperfect system, (when) there is always a solution."

Protester Laurin Trudel said the proposed changes create a sense of uncertainty among people moving into their senior years who are facing greater health care needs.

"If I were to suddenly become ill and have a very expensive drug program, I'd have to look at what alternatives there were," said Trudel. "Some will likely have to leave the North if this goes through."

He described the way Lee and her department have handled the issue as poor, arguing that a series of public meetings held last month provided nothing more than lip service to a plan that's already been approved behind closed doors.

"I don't know what the minister of Health's definition of consultation is, but I think everyone out here today would agree she doesn't know the definition," Trudel said.

While seniors and people with specific health care needs face potential hardships if the changes go ahead, young adults looking to start their families here are now questioning whether or not the NWT is for them.

"For me, I've lived here my whole life, I don't see the point behind this," said 23-year-old Ben Bruser, who was marching with a group of 20-somethings on Tuesday.

"We've always had really good benefits and that's what we love about the North."

Meanwhile, in the legislative assembly, which reconvened for a nine-day session before the summer break, regular MLAs from Yellowknife blasted Lee about the proposed changes. Lee argued continuously that the changes to the $7 million program are fair and inclusive, and will help those who currently don't get third-party health insurance through their employers or are exceedingly poor.

Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay suggested Lee should be removed from cabinet and "put back on this side of the house," while suggesting she would be quick to flip on her current position if she was no longer in cabinet.

"Make no mistake about it, this is a tax on the sick and elderly," said Ramsay. "It's a gross misrepresentation of the morals of this government to be fair and equitable to all they serve."

"I'd like to know how the minister considers the proposed changes, which will put hardship on only some of NWT residents, is going to make the new program fair, inclusive and equitable?" asked Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro.

Lee responded by saying, "The existing program is exclusive, unfair and it does not address the needs of vulnerable people. The new proposed package is much more fair and equitable because it opens the access of benefits to everyone."

When asked if she would allow voters to approve the changes in the next general election in 2011, Lee said the changes are going ahead this year regardless.

"We believe this is the fairest way to implement this policy," Lee said.