Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, the motion is straightforward. In fact, it was something that the department was supposed to do a long time ago, according to the definitive objectives. However, it has not been completed appropriately. To reiterate Mr. Zoe's earlier comments, the documents in appendix D are not suitable as a strategy document. This motion requires the department to come up with a strategic document that meets the needs of the health system. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have another recommendation.

Proceed, please.

Mr. Chairman, I move that the Department of Health develop a strategy for attracting and supporting aboriginal people who want to enter the field of health administration;

And further, that the Minister of Health table a complete strategy document in the Legislative Assembly by the fall session of 1993.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Too often, when people are talking about career developments in the health area, they forget that there are many possible jobs in the accounting and public administration areas. There is no reason why aboriginal people cannot fill those. The report points out, and I think this is an absolutely disgraceful commentary on the department's effort, that of all the senior officials appearing before the committee to represent the Department of Health's boards, not one was an aboriginal person. There have to be new in-roads into health administration careers for aboriginal people. That is why the Standing Committee on Public Accounts believes that this motion is called for. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Gargan.

Thank you. I will move on to motion ten. It is on page 48 of the committee report. Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee of the whole recommend that the Department of Health prepare a comprehensive affirmative action plan;

And further, that the department assess health or regional boards of management to prepare a comprehensive affirmative action plan, where requested.

The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Gargan.

It is one thing to recommend that the department should develop new strategies for attracting aboriginal people to think about careers in the health field. We also have to find ways to hire them when they come forward. It is surprising and frustrating that the Department of Health has not updated its affirmative action plan since 1989. That is what the Auditor General found. The department is again suffering from a lack of planning. This is something that must be addressed right away. As well, affirmative action planning by the health and hospital boards must be addressed. This should not be imposed by the department, however. Board plans should be developed as a partnership, perhaps at one of the regular meetings of boards and departmental staff. I would urge honourable Members to support the motion.

Thank you. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is recommendation 11. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs, review sources, eligibility criteria and amounts of financial assistance available to students wishing to pursue studies in health professions or health administration;

And further, that the departments survey current students enrolled in health-related disciplines to determine the adequacy of available financial assistance, and include survey results in the report.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, the Auditor General's report raises some questions about the adequacy of health bursary programs for students wishing to pursue careers in health discipline. The standing committee is of the opinion that these concerns should be extended to all forms of student financial assistance. The committee report contains a summary of information received by the committee about student assistance. This is found on page 49 and in several appendices. I think it is clear that the whole area of student support for young people studying in the health disciplines needs to be reviewed. This motion recommends that such a review should take place. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

To the motion.