Thank you, Mr. Speaker. TB continues to be a problem throughout the Northwest Territories, but we are taking measures to address the issue. During the past year, tuberculosis programs and strategies have been reviewed and updated in all regions of the Northwest Territories. Our medical health officers of the department have provided in-service education to nurses and physicians, and have been proactive in enlisting support from other community groups and agencies. Vaccinations programs for at-risk newborns have been reinforced; school screening programs have been reinstated in the Baffin, Keewatin and Mackenzie regions; and, liaison with the Department of Justice in facilitating a review and updating of surveillance practices in correctional centres has been undertaken.
As well, medical health officers have also recently reviewed the assessment criteria of new clients being admitted to treatment centres and young offenders' facilities. Similarly, they have started initial discussions and contact with Aurora and Arctic College to ensure that students living in dormitory facilities are also being screened for tuberculosis. Thank you.