Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in many of my Member's statements, I include the triple A description regarding programs and services; adequate, accountable and accessible. Today I would like to add one more, appreciation for our dedicated and committed health care staff all over this territory.

In the recent federal election, health was the number one issue for most Canadians. So what puzzles me is why our health care system is so poorly funded and the staff not recognized. While many organizations and governments review, discuss and resolve various health care related issues in the Northwest Territories, it is equally important to commend the hard work and dedication of our health care staff. Whether in small communities or regional centres, health care providers are working very hard, day after day, in very stressful and under-funded environments.

Long wait times and waiting lists compound the patients' and families' anxiety creating an often stressful work environment for our health care staff. Having a shortage of qualified nurses is nation-wide, and difficulty in recruitment also adds to the already strained health care system. I believe health care staff appreciation must not be only a once-a-year function or special event, but must be practiced and highlighted by the people of our community and government continuously.

Additional resources to the small and regional centres for health care service and infrastructure must be addressed. These additional funding initiatives would dramatically alleviate the enormous stress currently placed on our communities' health care staff.

I commend the commitment of all health care staff and service providers throughout the territory, whether in Yellowknife or the small communities, with their tireless efforts to bring comfort to our sick and healing to our wounded.

Difficulties exist in the Northwest Territories with the implementation of equitable and accessible health care as increasing costs and complexities of our northern geography and medical coverage must comply with national medical standards. I am adamant in the overall improvements of health care services and funding increases while remembering the hard work of our health care staff, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

---Applause