Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services, I am pleased to introduce today, Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act, No. 2

As I said previously, this Act is legislation that ensures all residents of the NWT are eligible for insured services. It also authorizes the Minister of Health and Social Services to establish boards of management for health facilities and programs.

The amendments in this Bill will allow boards of management to operate, manage and control social services, programs and facilities such as children and elders group homes, child protection, adoption wellness and adult and young offenders programs and services. It will also eliminate the legislative barrier to the consolidation of Health and Social Services at the regional level, as approved in the department's 1997 main estimates.

Finally, changing the name of the Act to better reflect these main responsibilities, the new name will be the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act. These amendments are consistent with the GNWT desire for communities to assume greater authority for programs and services. By expanding the powers of boards, the regions and the communities can have direct input on how health and social service facilities are operated.

Programs may be delivered and designed according to local needs and priorities. These amendments will also ensure that all board members can operate social service programs and services legally. The statutory protection that exists for current boards of management and operation of health facilities and programs can extend to these boards for all programs and services.

It should be easier for these boards that apply the necessary insurance coverage. I would be pleased to answer any questions of the Members. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.