Debates of February 1, 2006 (day 20)

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I have been finding that often the women of Nahendeh who will be giving birth have to stay at length in Yellowknife. Typically, at the most, up to a month, maybe even six weeks away from their loved ones and their family, Mr. Speaker. I also note and commend the constituents of the honourable Minister’s riding who have lobbied and created a midwifery act and program. This enables women to have their babies in their communities. Can the Minister tell me what steps are being taken to move this program into other regions? Thank you.

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

Return To Question 312-15(4): Access To Midwifery Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have legislation and policies and regulations that now apply across the Northwest Territories. We have midwifery services in Fort Smith and Thebacha. As well, we have a midwifery position in Yellowknife and in the business plan for 2007-08. We’re going be making the case to expand those midwifery services outside, or further, to other regions. I know the Member has indicated his riding of Fort Simpson is interested, and they are on our list to move into in the coming business plans. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 312-15(4): Access To Midwifery Services

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the honourable Member for that response. I wasn’t quite sure, was that this coming business plan will the contact be made, this coming year? Will it be in the workshop forum? I know that it has to interest some people who want to be qualified and expressed interest and get training. Is that the type of information that will be shared in the communities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 312-15(4): Access To Midwifery Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the key is to identify the resources to in fact be able to hire the required midwives, nurses, hopefully nurse midwives, but midwives that can work in the community. As well, as the Member has indicated, we have to consult with the region and communities and ensure that there’s an interest, look at the statistics and what kind of infrastructure there is going to be necessary to in fact have that service. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 312-15(4): Access To Midwifery Services

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, I wasn’t too clear if it was going to happen this coming fiscal year. If the Minister could answer that for me. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 312-15(4): Access To Midwifery Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Member is talking about the budget and business plan or budgets we’re currently reviewing, it’s not in this particular business plan or budget. We’d be looking at the subsequent year. Thank you.