This is a reply to a question asked by Mr. Zoe on March 27, 1992. The numbers of applicants for the Department of Health headquarters positions who are of aboriginal descent and who have the skills and knowledge about health care issues required for department positions have been limited. When aboriginal applicants with the required knowledge and skills are identified, the affirmative action criteria for hiring are applied. Since transfer, no aboriginal applicants have had the skills and knowledge required for appointment to the senior management positions that have been open for hiring.
Because the number of aboriginal students choosing health care studies is limited, health career promotion activities are being developed and made available for all communities, targeting elementary and secondary schools. This program includes a health career information package, other promotional material, involvement at career fairs, science fairs, and other suitable events, career counselling on request and media presentations.