Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the key factors is the question of sustainability. There is an offer by us of a 27 percent increase. The specialists have asked for 57 percent. We have looked at those costs, we have looked at the other upward pressures that that would result in, we have come up with a contingency plan that is evolving as we speak that will get better as we approach July 1st. As well, we remain interested and willing to sign any deals that are possible with the specialists, and we have a 27 percent increase that was our final cash offer. We've offered final and binding arbitration as a government. So we have made, I think, every reasonable effort at this point. The specialists are going to require some time to look at what was offered and we'll deal with that in the short term. Thank you.
Michael Miltenberger on Question 248-14(6): Contingency Plan For Physician Specialist Services
In the Legislative Assembly on June 4th, 2003. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 248-14(6): Contingency Plan For Physician Specialist Services
Question 248-14(6): Contingency Plan For Physician Specialist Services
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 3rd, 2003
Page 794
See context to find out what was said next.