The Standing Committee on Social Programs has some concerns about the nurses in Edmonton that provide support and make health decisions on behalf of Northerners. The major concern is that these nurses are employees of the Capital Health Authority and that their first loyalty is to that organization.

Members are not concerned about the quality of care provided or recommended by the nurses. Rather, they are concerned that medical decisions may be made without regard to cost to the Department of Health and Social Services. One example would be a nurse recommending a course of medical treatment in Edmonton without realizing that the same course of treatment could be readily delivered at Stanton with a little planning.

It is understood that the contract with the Capital Health Authority is under re-negotiation. Members believe that it is an appropriate time to do a cost-benefit analysis of hiring our own nurses to deliver services to Northerners in Edmonton.

Mr. Chairman, at the appropriate time, we will move the following recommendation: