Members were disappointed to learn that the Metis are not included in the proposed Federal Aboriginal Home Care Initiative. The committee is pleased to note however, that an excellent, integrated home care system already exists in the majority of communities in the Northwest Territories. It is hoped that service providers will continue this co-operation at the community level.

There is also a responsibility for the department, the boards and local and aboriginal governments to work together within the existing system to improve the home care system and avoid duplication of services.

Committee members would like to remind the department that the projected doubling of the seniors' population in the next 20 years would place a strain on our home care system. The committee believes that it may be appropriate for the department to do some long-term planning in consultation with their partners in service delivery.

The committee is also interested in the establishment of a respite care system for the Northwest Territories. Many of our residents assume the responsibility for caring for their loved ones at home. These people need our support so that they do not "burn out". If these caregivers do burn out, it is likely that their loved ones would end up in a healthcare facility at a significantly higher cost to the residents of the Northwest Territories. Caregivers need an occasional weekend off. They need time to go shopping or to go to doctor appointments.

Respite care can be as simple as the community nurse teaching another relative how to care for the loved one or being able to place your loved one in a long-term care facility temporarily. The committee believes that more emphasis has to be placed on helping caregivers cope within their own communities.

Members are also concerned about the issue of palliative care. The doubling of the NWT's senior population in the next twenty years would logically double the need for palliative care options. The department is strongly encouraged to ensure that adequate training and palliative care options are available for NWT healthcare professionals and residents as the need arises.

Members are aware that other Canadian jurisdictions have policies and legislation in place that deals with the issue of palliative care. The department is encouraged to develop policies and legislation that would bring the Northwest Territories in line with practices in other Canadian jurisdictions.