Sandy Lee

The short answer is yes, we would review each program separately and give them all due consideration. Just for the record, I think we should make it clear that a decision has not been made to discontinue the Nurse Practitioner Program. We did let them know that current funding commitment is until 2012 but, as the Member knows, because we had an in-depth briefing, we are reviewing the entire, well, we’re reviewing the Human Resource Training Program that we have with Department of Health and Social Services, not only because we’re always under financial constraints, but also because we want to...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to just remind the Member, who is standing committee chair, that I agree with him and I said that in my letter on February 25th that the prevention, and I quote, “the prevention oriented recommendations of Standing Committee on Social Programs will, in the long-term, have a positive effect on these expenditures.” I agree with him. The standing committee review of the CFSA and those recommendations about prevention and increasing child and service committees and doing more of that work, I agree with him that that is a positive step and I’ve said that.

Now the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the Member for the information he provided in his Member’s statement, because it is information that we are aware of. We had our briefing session on that. We are aware of the successes and challenges in the human resource programs that we have for the health care professionals. As the Member stated, I’d like to confirm that we are reviewing the program. We have to look at it fairly and comprehensively because we do have limited dollars, but at the same time we need to meet our priorities. So we will continue with that review.

With respect to the Nurse...

Mr. Chairman, the letter that I sent to the standing committee on February 25th is the analysis we have done. It is the government’s position on this issue. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, as the Member knows, there are a number of prevention programs that are being delivered within the health and social services system and the authorities. I do agree with the Member that prevention is important and that it has to be part of our work. I do agree with him that, like any other health and social services system across the country, our systems often respond to post event rather than pre-event. It is for that reason that we have worked to expand prevention and early intervention into additional communities in this budget. I do not have any more money than what I had...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On this program, I just want to say that based on the Members’ priorities related to the Child and Family Services Act, we have earlier agreed to begin work on the completion of new public information material and a new up-to-date policy and standards manual during the 2011-12 fiscal year. I also understand Members’ further concerns regarding child and family services committees and I commit to returning to committee in May with options to begin implementation of child and family services committees in 2011-12. Thank you.

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Mr. Chairman, I don’t have anything to add to that. Thank you.

We are reviewing all aspects of this file. We are giving it due consideration. I expect to have an answer for him shortly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have received the information in that and I am in communication with the federal Minister to see how we could take advantage of such a program.

The situation is not as simple and clear cut as the Member suggests. It’s complex to evaluate a medical professional and we are consulting with individuals and bodies to help us evaluate the situation. As the Member knows, my staff have made it a priority to meet with the person in question and we are putting in all energy to evaluate the situation. I am going to get back to the Member shortly.