Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee was generally satisfied with the presentation of the main estimates by the department. The figures corresponded to those contained in the business plan and the capital plan as previously reviewed by the committee. The committee also noted that so far, the 1997-98 revised main estimates match the original estimates and hopes that this will continue to year end. The committee recognizes that the main estimates are a fluid document and those changes in the information contained within them will occur over the course of the year due to division related activities. In conducting its review of the 1998-99 main estimates of the Department of Health and Social Services, the committee made note of the following issues.
Hospitals and health care centres, the construction of the Inuvik and Iqaluit hospitals should remain a priority for the department. The committee is pleased that a funding agreement for the two hospitals is anticipated to be concluded with the federal government in the near future and that planning continues for replacement of these facilities. The committee wishes to be provided with the terms of the funding agreements for the two hospitals as negotiated by the department and the federal government and to be kept apprised of any developments regarding the construction of the hospitals. The committee also understands that the Arviat Health Centre was a victim of restraint in previous years and had to be rescheduled in the five-year capital plan. However, the need has become critical and the committee encourages the department to ensure that this project remains on track. The committee recommends that the department ensure that these projects proceed as scheduled and review all hospitals and health care centres as possible candidates for Private/Public Partnerships funding in the upcoming years, should that initiative receive approval from this Assembly.
Strategic Initiatives Fund, the committee was concerned that there was no real methodology as yet, by the department for accessing the funds available under this initiative. The committee agrees in principle with the department's position that $2 million of the $4 million fund to be allocated to address funding deficiencies for the Dogrib community services board, the Baffin regional board and the Keewatin board. However, there is a concern that by focusing initially on these three boards, they may have an advantage in accessing the other $2 million not specifically targeted at them. The committee is very anxious to review the department's plan for the access of funding available under the Strategic Initiatives Fund. The committee wishes to review the guidelines as soon as possible to verify that all boards have equitable access to this program.
National health care standards, the committee is concerned that under current fiscal restraint measures, the NWT may not be meeting the minimum national health care standards. With $4 million available in the Strategic Initiatives Fund, it is important that reference be made to the basic recommended standards when considering the funding allocation.
The use of remote technology in health care, the committee generally supports the department's efforts in this area. When properly set up and administered, these technological advancements can benefit the residents of the Northwest Territories. The majority of the Members of the standing committee were concerned, however, that this technology should not be used by the boards or the department as a method to reduce current levels of qualified medical personnel. Members are aware that this technology allows real time contact between the health practitioners but emphasizes that it should not be viewed as an acceptable step toward replacing a doctor with a nurse or a nurse with a nurse's aid. The committee looks forward to being supplied with more information on the successes and application of this technology in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Chairman, I will ask my colleague from the social program's committee, Mr. Fred Roland, to continue and complete the report.