Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to express my thanks to the Minister of Health, the Honourable Rebecca Mike, and the many constituents who attended last night's public meeting in Fort Smith. Mr. Speaker, the meeting was held to receive feedback from residents of my constituency regarding the decision not to proceed with the public inquiry into the Fort Smith health centre.
It was a very well attended meeting, despite the short notice, with over 70 people in attendance. I know that the people of Fort Smith were very pleased with the fact that the Minister came into our community and that she showed a definite willingness to listen to their concerns.
Mr. Speaker, the people in attendance were generally accepting of the decision not to proceed with the inquiry. However, many of them expressed some strong ideas about the delivery of health services in Fort Smith.
There were strong sentiments, for instance, that a new board should be formed as soon as possible to manage the health centre. There was a definite interest in giving consideration to an elected board concept. I know that changes to legislation would probably need to take place in order to address this suggestion. It is critical that some strategy be developed to ensure the hospital board fully represents the diversity which exists in the community, including representation from the town, the Metis local and the band. It is important that the component of this concept continue.
There was also recognition of the need for formal orientation and training programs for board members who serve on any health centre board. Participants felt, as well, that members of any new hospital board should be able to select their own chairperson. There were concerns expressed about the current operation of the health centre, particularly about the high turnover in medical resources created by the many locum physicians on which the health centre has had to rely upon.
I indicated to my constituents that during the next month, I will be surveying the Fort Smith population for additional ideas and will be looking forward to seeing a new board in place at the earliest opportunity. I was pleased that their comments provided a strong foundation for moving ahead for delivery of health services in our community. Thank you.
---Applause