Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Member raises the issue of elected boards. That is certainly something that could be considered. It could potentially address the issue of people feeling they are not represented by boards. That is something we hear through the forum's report. It would make those boards more accountable to the people they serve. It would be a democratic process. Under the area of governance, the potential for elected boards is definitely there and is something we will be considering.
The Member raises the issue of services being provided in the local language, in his case, the Dogrib language. When we talk about healthcare workers, I think this is another strong argument for training the people from the communities to acquire the skills they need to go back to their communities and deliver those services.
Over the years I have been in the North, I have not heard of too many non-aboriginal persons picking up a second language, particularly an aboriginal language. It is unusual. The language barrier could be addressed through our efforts to train a northern workforce. It could address that problem. I recognize it is a real problem. The Member speaks of the elder in the hospital not knowing what services the hospital wants to provide. I know there are language services provided to patients who are in the hospital, but I could not say how extensive those services are. When you are dealing with someone's health, it is very important they understand what the options are and what is happening to them. I agree with the Member that communication is extremely important.
I think one of the best ways of dealing with this problem is to have our own Northerners trained to do these jobs. This should be a long range goal, one in which we have made some serious advances through our bursaries, the programs available at Aurora College, and through attendance at job fairs to encourage young people to go into the health and social services fields. It should not just be for positions as social workers and nurses. We need to look at all areas in all professions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.