Return to Written Question 17-12(7), asked by Mr. Patterson and replied to by the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning the status of reform of the Medical Profession Act.

As part of the process to reform the Medical Profession Act, a steering committee of physicians from the NWT Medical Association and members of the Department of Health and Social Services was struck in February 1994 to:

- allow for consultation on issues surrounding the development of the new act; and,

- develop a legislative proposal.

This steering committee has been meeting regularly. It worked closely with the NWT Medical Association and the Dene Cultural Institute to put on a four-day traditional health practices workshop for physicians, in February 1995. The workshop, facilitated by the Dene Cultural Institute, enabled traditional healers to provide knowledge about traditional health practices to participants.

As part of the process of developing the new act, presentations were made by the Minister of Health and Social Services and the President of the NWT Medical Association during the review of the medical registration committee by the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions in April 1994.

The legislative proposal for the new act is currently being considered by Cabinet. Drafting of the Medical Profession Act will be completed early in the term of the 13th Legislative Assembly.