Yes, I do, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to have an opportunity today to speak with the Members of the committee about Bill 21, which proposes changes to various health statutes. The acts amended under this bill include the Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, the Certified Nursing Assistants Act, Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act, Medical Care Act, Public Health Act, Medical Profession Act, Dental Auxiliaries Act, Dental Mechanics Act, Dental Profession Act, and Vital Statistics Act.
The proposed amendments are mainly of a miscellaneous nature and are intended to simplify and clarify administrative procedures, or make the legislation consistent with that of other jurisdictions. The amendments also change the delegation of authority from the Commissioner to the Minister in provisions dealing with registration, licensure, and discipline procedures of health care professionals. Many of these amendments were identified over a period of years by department and authority staff, as well as by stakeholders. Further amendments of a miscellaneous nature were identified by the Department of Justice during the drafting phase of the bill. The amendments fulfill the commitments made to stakeholders and make the legislation consistent with other health profession legislation. In particular, amendments to change the name "certified nursing assistant" to "licensed practical nurses" fulfills a longstanding commitment by the department and brings us in line with other jurisdictions across Canada.
The change of authority from Commissioner to the Minister is also important and appropriate, as it is the Minister who is ultimately responsible for the delivery of health care services in the Northwest Territories.
I would like to thank the Members of the standing committee for their consideration of this bill and look forward to discussing Bill 21 with the members of the committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
