Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health. Is the health authority actively looking at hiring translators in the hospital in Inuvik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Right now, in Inuvik, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority in the Beaufort-Delta region is actively recruiting for a Regional Indigenous Wellness Coordinator. This position will lead the incorporation of Indigenous languages into programming and service delivery. Thank you.
That's the first I have heard of that; I am starting to hear some good news. Will the health authority find ways to work with our Indigenous groups to have translators, in the meantime, in our hospitals and long-term care?
The idea of the Regional Indigenous Wellness Coordinator is to be able to work with stakeholders, residents, and staff to determine what are some appropriate means to support languages and also have translators in our centres.
One last question for the Minister: will she commit to having her department resolving this issue immediately, at least for the residents who are in our long-term care now?
The Inuvik Regional Hospital and the long-term care in the Beaufort-Delta will work with current healthcare practitioners who are able to speak additional languages. Currently in the hospital, in the Beaufort-Delta, we have a list of translators who can be called upon for translation services when required. We also have access to interpreter translator from Ulukhaktok via FaceTime and phone. We do have some of these services that are available, and I hear what the Member is asking to commit to. Right now, our department is committing to this position. Once we get the position, we can start to roll out how we continue to work with Indigenous groups.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.
