Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update to Members on the status of the specialist negotiations. As Members know, the Government of the Northwest Territories has been advised that physician specialists declined the Government of the Northwest Territories' final offer to conclude negotiations through a process of binding arbitration. This decision has signalled an unsuccessful conclusion on negotiations with specialists as a group.
Mr. Speaker, this outcome is very disappointing to me. These negotiations have been a top priority for this government because we recognize the valued role that Northwest Territories specialists have within our health care system. We believe that the proposal offered to specialists was fair and competitive and we were prepared to submit a proposal to an independent and impartial arbitrator.
Members of this House are aware of the considerable difference between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the specialists' proposals. The Government of the Northwest Territories has offered a 27 percent increase in total compensation over a two-year period while the specialists' proposal requested a 57 percent increase. Added to this is the announced resignation of 12 of Stanton Territorial Health Authority's specialists on July 1st unless a settlement is reached. It is important to note that all specialist physicians signed individual employment contracts and these specialists must now decide whether or not they wish to remain in the Northwest Territories. While the Government of the Northwest Territories' proposal may not have been satisfactory to the specialists as a group, it is my hope that most specialists will still choose to continue practising their specialty in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to emphasize to this House and the Northwest Territories public that the Government of the Northwest Territories takes this matter very seriously. Access to quality health care remains a priority to this government and a significant shortage of health professionals in any area, including specialized services, presents real pressures on our health care system. The resignation of 12 specialists will have an impact on service delivery in the Northwest Territories; however, Stanton Territorial Health Authority is working to ensure that urgent medical care is in place on July 1st and thereafter while vacancies are filled. While I am hopeful that on July 1st specialized services will continue to be delivered by current Northwest Territories specialists, some services may be provided by temporary locum specialists and others may be available through referral to southern facilities.
I wish to reassure members of the Northwest Territories public that primary health care, that is care provided by general practitioners, nurses and other front line staff in our communities, will continue to be provided to Northwest Territories residents. People are referred to specialists only if their medical requirements cannot be met by front line health care professionals. I would also like to take this opportunity to let specialists know that they are an important part of our health care system. Although there may be questions about what constitutes appropriate compensation, I can assure you that there is no question about our respect for their contributions to the Northwest Territories health care system and the health of Northwest Territories residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.