Whitehorse Daily Star

Image title

Photo by Whitehorse Star

NDP MLA Emily Tredger

Keeping baby fed is costing $900 monthly

The case of a Yukon family with a baby who has a severe allergy was brought up in the legislative assembly on Monday.

By Cassidy Bronson on March 29, 2023

The case of a Yukon family with a baby who has a severe allergy was brought up in the legislative assembly on Monday.

To feed their baby, the family is paying about $900 per month for special formula. 

“The parents were clear: they simply cannot afford this, but it is the only formula that will keep their baby fed and healthy,” Emily Tredger, the NDP MLA for Whitehorse Centre, told the House.

Tredger noted subsidies for baby formula are covered in other places in Canada, but in the Yukon, they are not. 

Following the government’s announcement of a $50-million surplus a few months ago, Tredger believes it’s cruel to refuse to help a family feed their child.

“To be clear, we are not refusing to do anything,” replied Tracy-Anne McPhee, the minister of Health and Social Services.

“I need to have some details. I would need to determine how we might be able to resolve this issue for the family noted, and I look forward to doing that when I have those details — not here on the floor of the House.”

The family’s plight was brought up in regard to a lack of policy where expenses related to allergies are not covered under the Chronic Disease Disability Program for Yukoners.

Though the program has support and coverage for a wide variety of expenses and medical necessities to help persons with diseases and disabilities, Yukoners suffering from allergies do not qualify for support or expense coverage. 

“I will take the opportunity to remind Yukoners that the chronic conditions support program continues to offer individual and group supports to Yukoners who are managing chronic conditions, with the idea that they can return to a more normal life and that they can make sure that they are managing their chronic conditions as they move forward,” said McPhee. 

She said her department receives hundreds of calls from Yukoners who are not sure of certain processes. Some don’t know what’s available to them, or aren’t sure what information they need. 

She also said the department expects, and asks those with concerns to come to them directly.

“We’re in the process of working to determine exactly what the situation is and whether or not we have some method to assist,” said McPhee.

The case came to staff members’ attention by email at 5:31 p.m. last Thursday and a response was issued, and it had been directed to the department by 8:25 a.m. last Friday, the minister said.

She said her office responded “as quickly as humanly possible,” but had other issues to tend to that day. 

Kate White, the leader of the NDP, left a voicemail at around 10 a.m. Monday, and McPhee said her team had responded by 11 a.m. 

McPhee is urging everyone to know this is a serious matter and that her team is working as quickly as they can to help the family out. 

“I certainly understand and appreciate how critical it is for parents who have a concerning health issue for a child,” she said.

“A child’s unexpected health concerns make it even more difficult in these challenging times, particularly when there’s a financial concern about it and everyone’s working very hard to make ends meet,” she told reporters. 

Considering her own health challenges with her now-grown child, McPhee said, she understands the struggles the parents are going through. 

“As soon as this was brought to our attention we’ve started working on it,” she said.

“And we are working on it in real time as soon as possible for this family looking for a solution.”

Be the first to comment

Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar

In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.

Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.