Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the 1995-96 capital estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services include 344 projects totalling $10.403 million.
As you know, this is the first capital budget to reflect the consolidation of the two departments as recommended by the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. The budget reflects the beginning of an approach that will result in a better level of integration of health and social services facilities.
The first major integration will be the alcohol and drug treatment centre and the hospital in Inuvik, to be planned in the coming year. Other opportunities for integration will be explored in preparing plans for the future.
One area that will receive more attention over the coming year is housing for elders. The Department of Health and Social Services and the Housing Corporation are working together to clarify the roles of each organization. Mr. Morin and I will be tabling a strategy in the House during the winter session to deal with the provision of housing and care to elders.
Mr. Chairman, there has not been time to make major changes in the 1995-96 capital plan for the newly consolidated department. However, in consultation with communities, we will bring forward a rationalized departmental capital plan for consideration in 1995-96. Some hard decisions will be needed,
but they are necessary if the department is going to do a better job of satisfying community needs.
There are a wide variety of projects in the 1995-96 capital plan.
Functional programs will be developed for replacement hospitals. In Inuvik and Iqaluit, these will be funded under cost-sharing agreements with the federal government which were part of the health transfer agreement in 1988.
In addition, health centres will be upgraded in Fort Providence and Fort Resolution, along with health stations in Trout Lake and Jean Marie River. The design of a health station in Snare Lake and a replacement health centre in Gjoa Haven will be finalized and the construction of replacement health centres in Clyde River and Fort Good Hope will be completed.
In family support, the planning and design for a family group home in Pangnirtung will be completed.
In community development, an elders' residence will be built in Fort Resolution and the planning and design for an elders' residence in Fort Norman will be completed. Planning for an alcohol and drug treatment centre in the Keewatin will be completed and a psychiatric half-way house will be built in Yellowknife.
The remainder of the budget is for equipment, technology enhancements and renovations to existing facilities.
Mr. Chairman, over the past year, the department has consulted with communities and regions, as directed by the Standing Committee on Finance in its review of the 1994-95 plan, and it continues to work with health boards to develop community and regional health services plans.
The department is also revising its standards and criteria for capital planning and facilities. These revised standards and criteria will be completed by the end of the fiscal year. They will improve our ability to complete regional and community needs assessments, which will also improve the consultation process. Mr. Chairman, that completes my comments.