Debates of February 15, 2005 (day 36)

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question concerns the new Sahtu Health Authority. The Department of Health and Social Services was to implement the Sahtu Health Authority by April 1, 2004. As of yet, services are still being delivered out of the Beaufort-Delta region Inuvik office, and the North Slave region Yellowknife office. I am even more concerned when I look at the Health and Social Services web site that still lists the authority in the developmental stages. My question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Could the Minister provide an update as to the status of the Sahtu Health Authority?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services remains unwavering in its commitment to work with the people in the Sahtu to establish their authority. We filled eight of the 14 positions that were identified in the Sahtu for administration and running of the health authority. Unfortunately, there has been an underwhelming response in terms of the actual structure and setting up of the board itself. That is a challenge yet to be met and dealt with, but we are continuing to work with the region. In the meantime, there are still transitory arrangements made with Inuvik to assist in the administration and delivery of some of the services. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that it is a challenge to move the Sahtu Health Authority into our region. I will ask the Minister in terms of a time frame if he can see actually the Sahtu Health Authority being settled right in the Sahtu region where we can start making our decisions for ourselves.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, God willing and the creeks don’t rise, this will be done in the foreseeable future. If we can staff the rest of the other critical positions and if there is a desire indicated by the leadership in the Sahtu in terms of their actual establishment of the health board, then that would help us to conclude this arrangement and transition from being part of the Inuvik region and health authority to a standalone authority in the Sahtu. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The time for oral questions has expired; however, I will allow Mr. Yakeleya to finish his supplementary questioning. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Much appreciated, Mr. Speaker. Did I understand the Minister to say God willing and the creeks don’t rise? Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain to me and give me an answer for the people in the Sahtu? What are some of the barriers that are hindering the move to establish the Sahtu regional health board? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, clearly, in my mind, it is not because of lack of effort or lack of resources on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. There has been a significant amount of resources identified for this, in spite of concern in some quarters that we are just setting up another level of government. We have positions identified. We have had trouble staffing them. There has been some difficulty in getting a clear indication or signals from the leadership in terms of establishing of the board itself. We continue to operate with the public administrator. Those are two of the key areas on the government side and the administration side that are there before us as challenges. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. A final, short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister, would he inform the House as to some of the barriers that we have looked at in the Sahtu? A Catch-22 for us is the availability of accommodations for the staff in Norman Wells who want to fill the positions. However, it is very difficult for our staff people to be accommodated in that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 391-15(3): New Sahtu Health Authority

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is correct; housing for staff has been an issue, but the marking initiative, phase one, saw five units moved into Norman Wells. I understand that there are eight units this coming year to assist with the shortage. Hopefully that will help in the staffing of these remaining six positions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The time for oral questions has expired. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to request unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.