Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As of
May 2008, we have 24.5 funded positions and two unfunded positions for nurse practitioners.
Currently, out of those, 11 funded NP positions are filled, plus two unfunded. So out of 26.5 NP positions available, we have 14 positions filled. Seven of them are in Yellowknife, one is in
Resolution, one is in Smith, and two are in Fort Providence.
There are two unfunded positions at Stanton, as Members are aware, that we have funded for six months. And there is half PY funding being used for NP relief in Yellowknife.
Mr. Chairman, I could also add that there are 12 NP positions vacant all over the Territories: there are four in Beaufort-Delta, one in Fort Liard, one in Fort Smith, two in Hay River, two in Norman Wells and three in Tlicho. Obviously, we have room here to recruit and retain NPs.
I don’t have information on exactly how many NPs are in practice and in training, because we will take NPs trained not only in the North but anywhere. If they are willing to go to any of these communities, we will welcome them wholeheartedly. And really, they are meant for a primary-care community clinic setting.