Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Health Boards

Members have questions about the cuts to the health boards. In 1996/97, the department proposed a $9 million reduction to health boards over two years. At that time, boards were encouraged to implement as much of the two year cuts as possible in the first year. The department has now decided not to proceed with the $4.2 million reduction for 1997/98. The Minister indicated that there may have been inequitable base funding for the various boards, so an across-the-board reduction would not be appropriate. There may be reductions as a result of the health care reform studies but there will be no overall reduction to the boards.

We were pleased to learn the department was able to meet its targets without further cuts to the boards. The Minister indicated that boards which did not meet their reduction targets in 1996/97 will still be required to make these reductions. This leaves us with unanswered questions about the 1996/97 reductions.

- Which boards achieved their targets for 1996/97?

- Which boards did not make the necessary reductions?

- Will all boards be required to make the level of reductions identified for 1996/97?

- Did any board make reductions beyond the amount budgeted for 1996/97 in anticipation of future year cuts identified last year by the department?

The Committee supports the new approach to funding these boards. The move away from very specific line item control to more responsibility for boards is consistent with the direction suggested by the Committee. With the definition of core services, regional boards will have a framework within which to design programs and services to address their clients' needs. We will be looking for accountability and monitoring standards to ensure boards are providing the services they should.

This emphasizes the need for clear reporting systems, both within the department and in the boards. Information must be collected which allows for vigilance and monitoring of practices and procedures.

The department indicated that it intends to institute a surplus/ deficit retention policy for the boards beginning April 1, 1997. While the implementation details were not available, the Committee sees this as an important step in encouraging boards to be more efficient in their operations. On discussing the transfer of regional positions to Boards, the Minister confirmed that all associated funding would be transferred, not just salary and benefit dollars, but additional O and M dollars associated with the position such as office space and equipment.

Health Care Facilities

Following on our comments last year, we strongly believe that we need to consider alternate uses for existing facilities rather than just building new structures. There needs to be a common sense approach to the construction of any new facilities. In the review of care facilities, the Fort Simpson hospital is being considered for reprofiling. Given the status of this review, the two capital projects for Fort Simpson should be held in abeyance until final decisions are made on the future use of the hospital.

We understand that there are a number of reviews going on within the department. We hope these reviews are being coordinated to ensure that there is a consistent approach across all program areas.

Recommendation No. 13

The Standing Committee recommends that work on the proposed capital projects for Fort Simpson: Adult Group Home and Family Violence Shelter, not proceed until final decisions have been made on the future use of the Fort Simpson Hospital.

Foster Care Rates

As part of the overall review of foster care, we will be looking for evidence that the need for culturally appropriate foster placements is emphasized and a strategy developed to address the need. We will also be looking for monitoring mechanisms. It is crucial that foster placements are safe, healthy places.

During our meetings, the department provided the results of their consultation with the Yellowknifer Foster Parents Association to revise the foster care rates. We are disappointed that the consultation took place after the budget changes were approved. However, the new approach to defining and supporting special needs foster children should be more equitable for all foster parents and should provide greater clarification for those who administer the rates.

Human Resources

In the area of human resources, the department is talking about creating more multi-disciplinary teams in the communities. This could involve new roles for community health representatives and the potential for an increase in the number of physicians. We look forward to the results of this program review.

Under the human resources briefing, the need for promotion of health and social services careers and education of northerners for those careers was highlighted. The Committee agrees with this need. We will be looking closely for concrete action by the department to make this a reality.

Organ Donor Program

Finally, the Committee noted that Stanton Regional Hospital is going to provide an organ donor program. We encourage the department to support this initiative and expand it where possible to other centres. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

---Applause