Mr. Speaker, we all want to ensure a sustainable health and social services system. However, to achieve this, the system must change.
Last month, the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Michael Miltenberger, announced an action plan that will strengthen programs and services for all Northerners. The plan listed 45 actions that will be carried out over the next three years. The actions are focused on improving the quality and effectiveness of health and social services. It places a primary focus on close collaboration and cooperation between health care providers, health and social services authorities, and the GNWT.
During the 2002-2003 year, a number of new investments will be made to strengthen the health and social services system. We are proposing to invest $250,000 for on-call centres to support clients and front line staff, $320,000 for expanded action to address tuberculosis, and a $270,000 pilot project to expand screening for breast cancer. In addition, over $10 million has been added to the budget of Health and Social Services to meet the increased costs of providing existing services.
Funding for health initiatives also includes enhanced health protection measures. The Department of Public Works and Services, working closely with the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs and Health and Social Services, will spend $300,000 to identify and correct existing or potential deficiencies in drinking water systems and services in Northwest Territories communities.