Great Slave

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

The Member is aware that we have processes that we utilize in this Assembly, including business planning, and that we have to have solid business cases if we are going to pursue or ask the Department of Finance and the FMB for additional resources. Currently, until we build that particular case, we are utilizing existing resources from the Department of Health and Social Services. We have identified staff to go and help the office meet their demand and provide work they are doing. All of this is helping us build a business case. We will be submitting the business case during the business...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, like I said, the first thing we have to do is figure out the pension cost of bringing the Hay River into the public service. I agree with the Member. This is something that's incredibly important. It's something that needs to be done. We're hoping to have that analysis done in time for the next round of budget discussions at the FMB level, and so before the next business planning I'll work with the Member. I'll keep the Member informed. I know that he's very interested in this area and, as soon as I know something, he'll know something. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we've really seen the benefits of pooling some of our resources as part of the On the Land Collaborative and getting larger, more comprehensive programs out there. I know Justice has been involved in different programs in the past. I'll absolutely endeavour to make sure that that information is shared both with the Minister and the deputy of Justice. Should they see an opportunity to come in and benefit from that collaboration, I'm sure they'll certainly explore it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we did have, I think, a fairly detailed public presentation on this area with the standing committee. Basically we're in the same position we were then. We need to get this budget approved, at this point we will begin to establish positions, get the job descriptions written, get them evaluated, and then pursue staffing. We are reaching out to schools right now to try to find people. If the schools have people who are qualified who are doing similar work now, we are certainly absolutely open to equivalencies. Hopefully we will get some of the existing people to...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 73-18(3): Alcohol Harm Reduction Measures"; and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 114-18(3): Medical Travel Coverage." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the timing is interesting. We haven't completed a work plan on this yet, but I am scheduled to have a briefing in the next couple of weeks once we have a bit better idea of the magnitude. I will certainly keep Members informed as we move forward as appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Given that the role of hiring and tracking physicians is going to be a part of the territorial authority, they will be the ones that will be compiling that information. I will certainly, through the deputy, have a conversation with the CEO to make sure that is the type of data we are monitoring and so we can see how we are doing.

I will caution the Member: don't expect to see radical changes in year one or two. We have already recognized some improvements. In order to get real trending data on this, give us a few years to get some trending data. We can give you year to...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

I hear the Member. We do know that there is some frustration with individuals who are uncomfortable with going the day of their appointments just in case there is a cancellation. There is some frustration there. Patients can go early. They can book the flights themselves and seek reimbursement. The reimbursement is based on the rate that we would pay. We have a standing offer agreement with a number of our airlines, which is a little cheaper than what residents would pay if they booked themselves. We can reimburse them up to that rate.

If there are unique situations, the residents can approach...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the $50,000 for a jurisdictional review of public health legislation and regulations and identification and development of the NWT regulatory changes under the Public Health Act that are harmonized with federal and GNWT legislation related to public health and agriculture. It's a contract of $50,000. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, these dollars were identified and put in place as a result of the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan that identified the need for options. The majority of this money flows directly to Aboriginal governments who run different On the Land Healing Programs designed by them for them. We always indicate that we're happy to provide some human resources or expertise if they require it.

In addition to that, Mr. Chair, there is the NWT On the Land Collaborative that exists in the Northwest Territories. That's where departments like Health and Social Services...