Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the local positions and the agreement we have with the Alberta government will provide temporary relief for the physician shortage in Yellowknife.

The Northwest Territories Medical Association position is that only 14 of the required 26 positions are in residence in Yellowknife at this time. Although the number of actual practicing physicians does exceed 14, due to the number of part-time positions.

Mr. Speaker, the department has had consultation with several professional associations and, in conjunction with looking at payment methods for positions, is considering addressing the physician shortage through an alternative primary care model, where the boards could employ the services of nurse-practitioners, nurses with credentials similar to those in the small communities, community health nurses who have a broader range of education. Also, having a pilot project whereby we could, for now, temporarily alleviate the physician shortage by having patients see a nurse as their first point of contact as opposed to a physician. Then, critical cases could be referred onto the emergency services if required. Thank you.