Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, there are initiatives underway that may be able to provide some relief to the physician shortage and people's ability to book appointments to see physicians. Primary health care is the first level of contact with the health care system where health services are mobilized and coordinated, promote health, prevent illness and care for common illnesses and manage ongoing health problems.

In November 1999, the department approached the Northwest Territories Medical Association and proposed entering into discussions with all key stakeholders to explore the development of a coordinated primary health care model for Yellowknife, Dettah and N'Dilo and other outlying community service by Yellowknife physicians.

The purpose of that was to see if there may be a way to expand on the use of nurse practitioners who have the same kind of credentials that community health nurses have in the communities where they are the primary contact for people in the communities and whether or not this model could be transferred to the larger centres. The nurse practitioners would act in minor cases. They could provide the service. When they could not, the patients would be referred to places such as doctor's clinics, or if necessary, the emergency facilities at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital.

So yes, the discussions have been ongoing with various stakeholders. This is an area that could relieve some of the pressure on physician services in Yellowknife at this time. Thank you.