Mr. Chairman, I cannot pretend to be made of Teflon, in fact, if I were to describe myself today, it would be something like "devastated Dennis". However, bloody and battered as I may be, I am still unbowed. I am pleased to be introducing the budget for the Department of Health.
I would like to confirm the department's commitment to providing quality accessible programs and services, and to developing stronger links with communities.
For the 1992-93 fiscal year, an increase of $25.3 million is anticipated, offset by departmental reductions of $1.1 million compared to last year's main estimates.
The issue of the disputed D.I.A.N.D. billing remains outstanding, and of course has the potential of affecting this government's ability to deliver programs.
As the Minister of Finance has indicated, the government has reached an impasse in negotiating a settlement and will now bring the matter before the courts.
Mr. Chairman, the budget presents several hurdles for the department, foremost among them being our reduction option of $650,000 and eight person years for the restructuring of headquarters, and a reduction of health board costs of $339,000.
The non-insured services budget requires amending to reflect the new contract recently negotiated between the G.N.W.T. and Health and Welfare Canada. All eligible expenditures are fully recoverable. I guess the question with this one is what the federal government defines as eligible, Mr. Chairman, and that is the concern.
Extended and chronic care budget requires amending to reflect increased use of this service by patients. Union contract settlements and rising premiums in the south are expected to drive prices even higher this year.
I would like to say that the following issues are not addressed in the 1992-93 Health Budget. Firstly, the merger of the departments of Health and Social Services. No specific direction has been given by the government as to the date and the substance, although the merger is scheduled to take place in the 1993-94 year, some resources may be needed during the fiscal year 1992-93.
Decentralization. The implications of the decentralization initiative of the government in relation to the Health Insurances Services Division of the Department to Inuvik and Rankin Inlet are currently being assessed.
Mr. Chairman, I would now like to speak on the six key result areas identified for 1992-93.
Firstly, planning for health. The department will on the basis of continuing assessment of health status and health risks, identify healthy public policy and interdepartmental initiatives in order to improve the health of residents.
Financial planning and control. The department will continue to develop and maintain fiscal planning and budgetary systems in support of health and health service related activities.
Health promotion and education. The department will encourage health promotion and education strategies in areas where potential effectiveness has been demonstrated.
Reproductive health. The department will coordinate efforts to improve reproductive health and patient sensitive medical interventions. I should mention on this one, Mr. Chairman, that as soon as we have the translation concluded, and I hope it will be within days, I will table the response to the medical review of abortions in this House.
Environmental health. The department will, in collaboration with other agencies, attempt to reduce environmental threats to health, whether from local or long range adverse influences, through education, research, and cooperative health risk management.
Human resource planning. The department will propose a mix of care providers and support staff based on health needs, and the aspirations of residents to play a larger role in the N.W.T. health system.
Mr. Chairman, in closing, every effort will be made to maintain current programs from within existing resources. A renewed spirit of cooperation amongst the public, the government, and health boards, is required to achieve this. I will endeavour to establish this cooperation with your assistance. Qujannamiik.