Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, when we have surge capacity, these are unpredictable time -- like, when they happen. So normally we would just use the staff on hand, overtime, and other contract nurses if we can from the department. Like, we would just move people around. And so that's within this public health reform that -- you know, the nurses that are working in public health, the one thing that we only have is we only have nurses that work in public health here in Yellowknife and I believe in Fort Smith, in Hay River, and in Inuvik, and the duties of public health are -- we rely on CHNs...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As of right now, there is no -- the plan right now is the bed projections. And I know that we should have those bed projections soon. And so we'll base -- you know, we move forward as to what our bed projections are and how -- and the changes that we are providing, more home support work in certain communities, which is decreasing the need for those individuals and those people that don't need to go into long-term care as soon -- you know, so it actually helps them stay in their communities longer. So based on the next bed projection, you know, we'll look at what our...

Thank you, Madam Chair. So the midwifery program is still continuing in Fort Smith and continuing in Hay River. There's been no change to those programs. They still, however, struggle to staff those positions and the territorial manager and the specialist positions that were negotiated back was to be able to work on how -- you know, what is midwifery going to -- like, coming up with a plan on what midwifery can look like in the Northwest Territories and what it -- I guess and how we roll that out and how can we roll that out and what is the cost going to be. So those are the things that those...

Yes, you're correct.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I believe that one position, which is the one that sits within the department, is here because there was the specialist midwifery position that sits within the administrative and support services, and then the others fall under programs. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the healthy family program that's itemized in this section on 206, the 292 that the Member is referring to, is a contribution that goes directly to the Tlicho government. And then the -- the healthy choices fund is a -- like, it is -- I think it's an application-based, and there are 13 applicants that have applied through this fund for -- and I can provide that list, if you want, to committee afterwards. Thanks.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, as, you know, I mean, our chief public health officer I think is the lead in this area and I know that there is lots of work going on, you know, within her office on this specifically. But I mean, we can bring back the question to what is the issues on why it's only in these. And I know it's restricted to funding but if there are other things than what the costs might be to expand that, we can find out that information and give that back to committee. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, that is correct that there is -- they are consulting with frontline staff and, you know, and as one of the things that I would encourage and I would commit to even bringing that back to making sure that is still -- that that's being carried out. So thank you, Madam Chair.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. That is, and I think we are -- it's in the works right now to be renegotiated. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'll pass that to the deputy minister. Thank you, Madam Chair.