Debates of March 17, 2004 (day 2)

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health and Social Services with regard to cross-cultural training. I am aware that years ago it used to be the practice that we gave our new employees cross-cultural training. In this particular instance, I am referencing Fort Simpson and the health and social services workers. I'm just wondering if there is a requirement or do we have a program that allows them to have cross-cultural training as they get hired into our government to work in the smaller communities.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 13-15(3): Cross-Cultural Training

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, human resources offers cross-cultural training, as does the college. But as a department, we don't have a formal policy that directs cross-cultural training being a requirement.

Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 13-15(3): Cross-Cultural Training

Thank you very much. Just to follow up on that, I believe it should almost be standard these days, because we are experiencing quite a few difficulties, particularly with our health centre in Fort Simpson which affects all the outlying communities. I would just like to ask the Minister if he's willing to consider beefing up the cross-cultural training that I do believe the health care and frontline workers need to serve in the smaller communities. Thank you.

Minister of Health and Social Services.

Further Return To Question 13-15(3): Cross-Cultural Training

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised a point that identifies a gap and it's not necessarily one that's going to cost a lot of money, but is more a point of providing the appropriate services the best way we can. Yes, I will raise this issue with the authorities and the department, and we will look at ways that we can get more organized in a formal, ongoing way in the area of cross-cultural training. Thank you.