Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank the Minister responsible for the Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative Committee for his comments today on reducing the number of boards and agencies in the NWT.
I believe that over 70 boards and agencies providing services for around 42,000 people might be a little on the excessive side. I agree that something needs to be done. I believe that reducing the number of agencies could result in administrative efficiencies as well as an improved holistic focus of services to people of the NWT.
Having said this, I do have some concerns. Today I am not convinced that rolling all the health authorities into regional authorities is the right answer, especially when it comes to the mobility of health professionals like nurses. Also, how do we roll a territorial authority like Stanton Territory Health Authority into a regional model?
I’m happy to see that the Minister recognizes some of these challenges. I look forward to participating as an elected Member of this Legislative Assembly in finding solutions and setting directions. I’d also like to thank the Minister and the Premier for including the Chairs of EDI and Social Programs on the Refocusing Government committee. This is an important and difficult initiative with long term effects. Let’s work together and get it right in the best interest of all Northerners.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
