The standing committee is disturbed by the apparent animosity, distrust and disrespect that seem to characterize the relationship between the department and the health and social services boards. In our opinion, this is having a significant negative impact on the health and social services system, and on the ability of boards to develop services for residents.

It is truly disappointing that the situation has reached its current low point, particularly since two years ago the department created the board support and health services division complete with a director position, tasked with the specific role of improving the reporting and overall relationship between the department and the health and social services boards.

The committee does not believe that the difficulties are a necessary outcome of having boards and a department involved in the delivery of services. If we look at the school side of Education, Culture and Employment, the boards are well established, in relatively good financial health, and maintain a cooperative working relationship with each other, the department and the Minister. The joint recruiting drive for teachers this January is just one example of how this type of system can work.

Of particular concern is the financial status of most health and social services boards. Although we are close to the end of the current fiscal year, some boards are still operating without budgets or deficit recovery plans approved by the department. At a time when we are encouraging advance planning, these boards are operating day to day. Fingers are being pointed in both directions with the department suggesting they cannot get accurate information from the boards to allow for decision making, and boards suggesting that the department does not have the expertise to adequately support them in either financial or operational matters.

It is critical for the effective functioning of our health and social services programs that a positive, cooperative relationship be established between the department and the boards. This will take considerable effort and leadership from the department, but it is essential. The members of the standing committee look forward to hearing from the Minister on what steps the department will take over the next six months to improve the quality of interaction with the boards and create a mutually supportive and respectful relationship.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to call on the deputy chair, the honourable Member for Deh Cho, to carry on with the reading of this report. Thank you.