I have a return to Written Question 23-12(6), asked by Mr. Dent to the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning community public health nurses.

1. The number of public health nurse positions in each community and the population they serve in those communities are as follows:

-In the Fort Smith area, the department has two public health nurse positions. These two positions serve approximately 2,480 people.

- Three positions serve approximately 3,471 people in the Hay River, Enterprise and Hay River Reserve area.

- Two positions serve approximately 1,142 people in the Fort Simpson area.

- Three positions serve approximately 3,206 people in the Inuvik area.

- The Iqaluit area has three public health nurse positions. These nurses serve approximately 3,552 people.

- The Yellowknife and Dettah area is served by six public health nurse positions. These positions serve approximately 15,329 people.

2. There has been no change in the overall number of community health nurse and public health nurse positions since the transfer of health from the federal government.

Although some positions have been relocated, the total number of community and public health nurse positions remains at 180.