Debates of May 15, 2007 (day 7)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce a major partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada Health Infoway.

Canada Health Infoway works with provincial and territorial governments to accelerate the implementation of electronic health information systems. A network of these systems will link clinics, hospitals, community health centres and other points of care in the NWT and Alberta.

Canada Health Infoway has agreed to invest $5.7 million between 2007-08 and 2009-10 to implement an electronic health records system in all communities in the NWT. The GNWT has agreed to invest an additional $1.1 million for a combined investment of $6.8 million.

Electronic health records will provide primary care providers with more complete and reliable health information about their patients. This will lead to better access to healthcare services for NWT residents, enhanced quality of care and a more productive health care system. Patient safety will be improved by linking our practitioners to modern technology used throughout Canada.

Alberta Health and Wellness and the Capital Health Authority in Edmonton will continue to partner with the Department of Health and Social Services throughout the implementation phase of this project. The network is scheduled to be operational by March 2008, with final completion by February 2009. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause