The territory will be urging the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to ensure a young member of the First Nation of Na Cho Nyak Dun continues to receive the medical treatment he needs.

The motion was presented and won unanimous support in the Yukon legislature Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier this year, the clinical trial for the enzyme replacement therapy Aldurazyme, which nine-year-old Mackenzie Olsen was part of, ended.

Olsen has a rare enzyme deficiency which results in a build-up of complex carbohydrates in his cells.

It affects mobility, senses and internal organs. It can also lead to death before adulthood, states a Yukon government press release.

With the drug under the common federal review process, the $16,800 treatment per week is no longer funded by the drug company.

It has continued through donations from the Na Cho Nyak Dun and Siksika First Nation in Alberta.

The family moved to that province about a year ago so Olsen could be closer to the children's hospital where the clinical trial was happening.

Donations have also been coming into an account (3884901) set up for Olsen at the Bank of Montreal.

In a statement, Health and Social Services Minister Peter Jenkins argued Olsen should not suffer due to a lack of an orphan drug strategy in the country.

'Not only is this a Yukon issue, it is also a national issue, as there are other instances of rare diseases for which extremely high cost drugs are being tried,' he said.

'These situations can place families in catastrophic financial straits.'

In a recent teleconference meeting with health ministers across the country with the exception of Quebec, the federal government was encouraged to add Aldurazyme for use.

Jenkins said in an interview late this morning the territory wants the process expedited.

A letter was also sent to DIAND Minister Andy Scott on the issue, he said.

It's a matter that will continue to be brought up with health ministers at various meetings, Jenkins said.

'I think there's a responsibility on the part of the drug company,' he added.

If a patient shows progress during a clinical trial, he said, the drug company should continue the treatment as the drug goes through the regulatory process.

Both the NDP and Liberal opposition said they would like the issue to be brought directly to Prime Minister Paul Martin.

'It's a life-and-death situation,' Mayo-Tatchun NDP MLA Eric Fairclough said in an interview Wednesday afternoon.

The unanimous vote just gives more weight to the argument the matter needs to be dealt with, he added.

Liberal Leader Pat Duncan pointed out the federal government has a responsibility to provide health care to first nation members throughout the country.

Asked how she wants the territory to send its message to the federal government, she replied, 'Pick up the phone.'

Premier Dennis Fentie should phone the prime minister to take up the issue, she suggested.

In a case like this, government process needs to be expedited so Olsen can get the treatment he needs, said Duncan.

Fairclough suggested the possibility of discussions around the territory footing the medical bill, then being reimbursed by DIAND, though he's unsure whether that can be done.

In the meantime, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is continuing its push for the federal government to provide the treatment.

Bryan Hendry, the AFN's health and social communication officer, said this morning the national first nations organization is considering all measures necessary to ensure Olsen is provided the treatment, including the possibility of taking legal action.

'That's our last resort,' he said.

While lawyers have been retained to research the matter, Hendry said the AFN doesn't want to see it come down to a court case. However, the case may go to court if the donations for Olsen begin running out and the issue isn't resolved.

Just when the money runs out will depend on Olsen's health and how much of the enzyme replacement he needs.

Earlier this week, Olsen's father, Raymond Amato, told the Star that results of recent tests on his son hadn't come back yet, and more were scheduled for this week because of some recent weight gain.

'This is a very exceptional case,' Hendry said today.

The AFN is there to protect the rights of first nation members throughout the country, he added.

The AFN also wants to encourage the public to write letters and send e-mails about the issue to Martin and federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh.