Mr. Speaker, as Members of this House are well aware, a public inquiry has been appointed to inquire into the management of health services and the problems of medical services at the Fort Smith Health Centre. I feel very strongly as do my constituents that this process must be open to the public. We have a right to have confidence in our health care system and this can only happen if we are given complete and accurate information.

The opening session of the public inquiry will be held this Friday in the Fort Smith Court House at 2:00 p.m. November 27, 1992. I wish to speak about the public inquiry in the Assembly today to assist in making the inquiry known to people in my constituency, and to encourage all those who have an interest to attend. All members of the public have a right to watch the proceedings.

There may also be people who have information or experiences that they feel should be told to assist the inquiry. Anyone who feels they may have such evidence to give may contact legal counsel for the inquiry, Mr. Brian Barrington-Foote in Calgary. Mr. Barrington-Foote will be calling witnesses to give their evidence before the inquiry. Members of the public are also requested status or standing before the inquiry. Gaining standing gives an individual or group certain rights such as the right to call witnesses, to cross-examine witnesses called by other parties and to make submissions to the inquiry. Anyone who wants to request standing should give notice to Mr. Barrington-Foote by today and should be present at the opening session of the inquiry on November 27, this Friday afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, I have sent information to my constituents about the inquiry through the mail. I want to encourage anyone who wants to participate in the process to get in touch with Mr. Barrington-Foote immediately. Thank you.