Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents continue to be concerned about the level of medical services available and the lack of certainty for the availability of doctors. This is a valid concern. I would like to say that my constituents and I certainly understand that this pales in comparison to the situation that smaller communities in the Northwest Territories have, where there are in fact no doctors, and they are forced to come to Yellowknife for medical services or travel elsewhere. Why is this the case?
Mr. Speaker, jurisdictions across North America are struggling to maintain their level of medical services. Sustained competition for qualified medical staff is hurting us. We know there is a worldwide shortage of medical practitioners, registered nurses, particularly in specialty nursing areas, general practitioners, and shortages of doctors in specialty areas such as radiology and pharmacy to name a couple.
Medical professionals now have their choice of positions almost anywhere in the world, Mr. Speaker. Not only do we, the Northwest Territories, have a recruitment problem, we have a retention problem, as territories and provinces continue to outbid each other for these services. Northern Ontario cities, and that includes such remote and isolated villages as Thunder Bay and Sault St. Marie, Mr. Speaker. The Province of Ontario has realized this dilemma and taken some steps to help. Medical graduates who are willing to settle in any of northern Ontario's outposts, can receive up to $80,000 in free tuition and incentive payments, along with free office space. Where does that leave the Northwest Territories?
There is no doubt we are in a chronic and long-term shortage of doctors and medical specialists. We cannot afford to keep upping the ante. Instead, I believe we can and should be looking at alternatives to what is now a very rigid and institutionalized style of medical support.
My constituents are asking about alternatives. What can we do, Mr. Speaker, to allow midwifery in communities and promote the services of nurse practitioners in our clinics and see alternative medical therapies introduced? I intend to pursue this later today through further questions to the Minister responsible for Health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.