Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, as the Member is aware, there have been management functions in the head office in Social Services, as well as management and support in Health. Those two areas are being consolidated so that we have one internal management support organization to serve both Health and Social Services. As well, to reflect that initiative, the realignment of one deputy minister of Health and Social Services has been put in place and there has been consolidation in other areas. The requirements at the directorship level have been reviewed and have been rationalized. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, this consolidation will be reflected in the present capital budget, and the other changes in operations and maintenance will be reflected in the April 1, 1995 budget. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

I know there have to be budget preparations, but what time frame are you looking at for having these consolidations done? Is it October 1st, November 1st, or March 31, 1995? What time frame are you looking at for achieving this consolidation?

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, the planned schedule for regional consolidation is April 1, 1995. One manager in each region will be responsible for the delivery of all health and social services. The complete consolidation and integration of services is planned for April 1, 1996. Thank you.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. There is going to be a big impact on our communities and regions and there are staff in many of these places. I'm just wondering what type of consultation the department is doing to involve the people in the communities in this consolidation.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, in terms of the regional consolidation, the new deputy minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Lovely, has been to all regions to begin discussions with staff and with organizations that would be affected by the consolidation. As well, I have personally attended various meetings that I have been invited to, to start discussions on what things have to be done and what type of work has to be communicated to the people presently working in the two departments.

Consultation and communication has begun. There has been at least one visit to each region and each regional grouping. We have also consulted with workers at the primary level. This will continue in order to make the turnover as positive as possible.

We know that the regions and the communities will both be affected by the change. Therefore, there is quite a hectic schedule to make sure we deal directly with those who are going to be affected. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.