Members are still concerned with the number of residents placed in southern institutions. It was noted in the Report on the Review of the 2002-2005 Business Plans that it was important for the department to continue to examine the costs of southern placements versus the economics of providing the service in the Northwest Territories. In our discussions with the Minister, he admitted that southern placements was one area experiencing forced growth and that he will be asking for a supplementary appropriation to deal with the funding shortfall.

The standing committee would ask that the department be ever vigilant in repatriating Northerners from southern institutions. The members look forward to reviewing the department's Continuing Care Strategy once it is finalized.