Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, just referring to the first part of Mr. Dent's question, the research that we have access to indicates that we should have between 22 and 25 physicians for the population of Yellowknife. At any given time, if we have 20, we are still a number short, but yes, we would hope that would provide some consolation to Yellowknife residents that the gap is being filled.

Certainly the Member is correct that continuity of care is very important and this is only a temporary measure. It is our goal to have resident physicians here. Hopefully, some of the people that come here on locums might enjoy the practice, the scope of practice, and the working conditions here and might consider making a move and becoming residents here. That would be one interesting way of recruiting people. Certainly, that is not their commitment when they come here.

The second part of his question was, how long it will take to implement this initiative and see a full complement of physicians here. It is difficult to project. We think that what we will have in hand is a very competitive offer at the end of the negotiations, and something to go out and use as a recruitment tool. However, there is a national and international shortage of physicians. The recruitment efforts of other jurisdictions are also very strident. We are hoping that between 12 to 18 months, we would have a full complement of physicians here.