Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Dent on Monday, June 11, 2001, regarding the operational change at Stanton Hospital.

Privatization of laundry and housekeeping services was included in the board's proposed deficit recovery plan. Although the proposed deficit recovery plan has not been finalized, I gave final approval of the privatization initiative on March 27, 2001.

Privatization of these services will involve the elimination of nine positions at the hospital. The Stanton board has worked closely with the department, the Financial Management Board Secretariat and corporate human resources to ensure that all requirements of the collective agreement and Staff Retention Policy are followed.

On April 25, 2001, the Stanton Regional Health Board issued letters to housekeeping and laundry staff advising them of their affected status. This procedure is consistent with the Government of the Northwest Territories Staff Retention Policy. Board staff have held initial meetings with affected staff to discuss their options under that policy, and will continue to work with them until all decisions are made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.