Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm glad to see the Minister and his colleagues with him today to discuss the Department of Health and Social Services. I just start off my comments, my general comments, by saying I still am impressed with the level of service that is provided to the majority of residents here in the Northwest Territories and I think the Minister is to be commended for that. I know it's a challenge, especially in the smaller areas, to deliver the service, but I think we do the best that we can. I know here in Yellowknife the health care system is top notch, continues to be top notch and I think the Minister is to be commended for that.

There are a few areas, Madam Chair, that I just wanted to discuss while I've got a chance; some areas, perhaps, that we might be able to improve upon. If I hear any criticism at all here in Yellowknife, it has to do with the emergency room at Stanton and the length of time some people may have to wait there to see somebody, see a doctor. I think that's something, I know the Minister mentioned it in his opening comments to us yesterday that they are working to reduce wait times at Stanton's operating room and in the emergency room. I guess one of the questions I would have is, you know, how are you going to go about reducing wait times in the emergency room and in the operating room? That's the first question I'd have. Thank you, Madam Chair.