Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a few comments to make. I plan on writing to the Minister more in depth on my opinion about this report. I would just like to comment first on the issue of governance. This issue has already been touched on by many other Members. There is a balancing act between giving the control over management of health and social issues versus giving control over education. It is a balancing act between giving the control over to the communities versus the economies of scale.
For example, in Maritime and Atlantic provinces, where the scale of population is much larger, the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick found it was too expensive to purchase hospital supplies separately. They thought it was more economical to combine together, even though they are about 10 times larger than us.
I think the challenge for the Minister is great. Giving enough control to the communities so they feel they have a say in what is going on in Health and Social Services, as well other community issues.
The recommendations in this report are conflicting. They talk of governance, and then they talk about the need to train the people on the board. That is recommendation two. Then there are the recommendations for talks about more integration of NGOs. Right there, you are looking at very conflicting recommendations and more need for resources. I understand the Minister is a little bit adverse to any more studies or reviews.
In listening to what she has to say about this report, especially with respect to governance, it is clear to me she has given some direction to her department already. I would like for her to summarize, for my benefit, what she has done so far in terms of what her vision is for the governance and the structure of the health care. I am very interested in hearing what she has to say about that.
The second issue I wish to address is more specific than the previous point. It has to do with telehealth. I recently had the occasion of being briefed on telehealth by the person who is in charge of delivering that program. It sounded like a very attractive idea, in terms of allowing medical care to be provided to remote areas. I think we have to understand that in order for the program to be successful, there has to be technological infrastructure in place in these communities.
As far as I am aware, most communities do not even have access to the internet. I think it is really crucial that if we are going to introduce that sort of program, which I do not oppose on principle, I think we have to make sure enough resources are provided to make sure the people who are in charge of delivering that service can do it to the full extent possible.
Another point I wanted to address with the Minister is with respect to dental care. I think it is an issue in the Minister's riding, as well as a concern for everyone in the Northwest Territories in general. I would like to have the Minister's update on what she is doing about the licensing of foreign dentists. That may pose a problem with respect to the supply of dentists in the Northwest Territories.
I think the most important issue here is my fourth point, which is substance abuse and alcohol and drugs. I do not want to go into that, not because I do not think it is an important issue, but it is such a big area. I am sure this Assembly will have many other occasions to deal with this issue, and I intend to do so.
With that, I intend on giving the Minister my reply in writing, but those were my comments. If the Minister could please respond to them for me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.