Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There is consideration being given to changing the mix of physicians in the NWT, in terms of numbers and their locations. I think what is important to note, simply put, is more doctors are not what the department considers to be the answer to success. In many cases, what we see as a shortfall is the kind of training and back-up supports that the nurses in the communities have themselves.
With respect to recruitment of foreign physicians, the issue is not one of absolute refusal to deal with foreign physicians. There is a clear concern where the physicians have come from; universities or institutions where there aren't preexisting agreements for verification of qualifications. Foreign doctors need to pass competency tests before they're allowed to practise in Canada. I think that is what is seen as more of a practical stumbling block to attracting foreign doctors from particular countries. Thank you.