Total activity $4 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Business Development

Thank you. Page 15-16, business development, contributions, headquarters, total region $6 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Total contribution $6 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Total activity $6 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Now we will go back to 15-9, Economic Development and Tourism program summary, capital expenditures. Total capital expenditures $10 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Do you agree the department is now concluded?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. I would like to thank the Minister and witnesses at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

What does this committee wish to do now? Mr. Todd.

I wonder if we can proceed with Health, Mr. Chairman.

Does this committee agree?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Madam Premier, are you prepared to deal with Health at this time?

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. Opening remarks, Madam Premier.

Department Of Health, Introductory Comments

Mr. Chairman, the Department of Health's capital budget for the 1993-94 fiscal year reflects a practical commitment to planning. Faced with the reality of restraint, the proposed capital budget provides the necessary appropriation for essential projects.

This budget supports the provision of health care as close to home as possible based on considerations of safety, quality of care and cost. It also supports the process of developing strategic and multi-year operational plans through the collaborative efforts of communities, health boards and the department.

While projects have been identified for funding in 1993-94, it is proposed that they will only proceed after the specific need has been confirmed, and appropriate planning activities have been completed.

Improved accessibility to dental services for children is also addressed in the budget. The Department of Health and Education will continue to collaborate on the provision of properly equipped dental services in schools which will be renovated.

Emphasis will be placed on renovating health facilities to extend their useful life span. Proposed allocations for minor renovations and code upgrades will complement the improved facility maintenance programs. A periodic evaluation of the condition of the facilities will be the basis on which capital projects are identified and priorized.

The department will continue to identify technology which is suitable for use in health facilities in the north and meets service needs and cost efficiencies.

The need to further explore the use of computer systems and the linkage to southern resources management and delivery of services is also addressed in the budget. Expanded use of computer based programs for the management of health information is critical if the health system is to operate efficiently.

Mr. Chairman, in summary, I am recommending funding of $5.850 million. The key elements of the proposed 1993-94 programs are:

1. Planning activities within the health system as a basis for determining future needs;

2. Improved computerized health and financial information systems in support of planning and management generally;

3. Improved health technology assessment as a basis for the upgrading or replacement of medical equipment;

4. Renovation and upgrading of health facilities to extend their useful life span; and

5. Improved facilities in schools to facilitate dental services for children.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to bring in the officials of the Department of Health. Thank you.

Thank you. Before I do that, I wonder if the chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance would like to make any opening remarks? Member for Thebacha.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. During the review of the 1991-92 Capital Estimates the Standing Committee on Finance recommended that nurses' accommodations follow the general territorial staff housing policies. The purpose of this recommendation was to save money through not building special nurses' residences. During the current review, Members noted that several health units were being renovated, and what was previously nurses' accommodation, was being converted for other uses. Members explained that perfectly adequate accommodation existed for nursing staff and should not be changed just for the sake of change. Again, the goal is to save money through a pooling of staff accommodation resources, not to spend additional money.

In recognition of the capital improvement made to the Inuvik General Hospital by the federal government prior to the health transfer, the territorial government agreed not to ask Canada for assistance in replacing this facility prior to 1996-97. Both parties did agree that this facility would be replaced with a facility would result in not decrease the level of service to below that provided at the time of transfer. The facility would be funded in the majority by Canada, based on the ratio of status Indians and Inuit to the total population in the hospital catchment area.

Members expressed concern that planned funding was not budgeted until 1996-97 and so construction would not start until 1998-99 at the earliest.