Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of competitive wages for nurses in the Northwest Territories, or the lack thereof. As we all know, this government that claimed to be completely strapped for cash during their negotiations with the Union of Northern Workers then found $3 million to assist with the recruitment and retention of nurses.
How long can we ask workers such as nurses and other health care professionals to buy into our claims of no money? On what basis could we appeal to them to stay and work in the NWT under what must be, in some communities, some of the most strenuous working conditions in Canada, when shortages in other jurisdictions competing for health care professionals equates to openings under better working conditions and more attractive remuneration packages?
Nurses provide essential care and are an important component of our health care system, Mr. Speaker. Every other jurisdiction realizes this and has responded accordingly by providing nurses with competitive compensation. To compound our chances of recruiting nurses, they are in short supply in Canada, as well as worldwide. It is not going to take a genius to understand the basic economic principle that people and yes, including nurses, are going to gravitate and make choices about where to live and work based on issues such as salary, benefits, quality of life and career options.
I do applaud the department and the Minister for their efforts in attempting to encourage young Northerners to train in careers in nursing. I hope the enrolment is even higher in the RN program at Arctic College this fall. The concept of allowing student nurses to perform practicums in their home communities over the summer is also an excellent initiative. We experienced this in Hay River with one very bright, young student nurse, and it was very effective.
I only hope that this is just. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude the short remainder of my statement, thank you.