Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a number of comments. Many have been mentioned already, but I will re-emphasize them with my own take, I guess.

Initially, I want to say that I totally agree with the Minister’s statement that the current spending of the Health and Social Services system is not sustainable. I’ve had concerns, I think, since I arrived here, that every year the total cost seems to go up. I do hope that over this next year it will be galvanized by the lack of THAF funding if it doesn’t come through, but I hope that the department is going to be looking at all aspects.

I think, as well, and I mentioned in my statement yesterday, I think the program review office is an area that can assist the department in trying to keep the costs down and look for efficiencies and so on. In, I think, the business plan it was mentioned that there’s a continual increase in health costs, particularly in the area of seniors as our general population ages and so on. So I’m interested, when we get to that part, to hear what sorts of plans the department has to try and deal with providing a continuum of care for seniors that isn’t going to break the bank, so to speak.

In terms of the Foundation for Change, I am supportive. I hope it’s not going to be another effort to produce another report. I hope that this is actually looking at how we can change our provision of health care and that we are going to be

coming forward with something that we can actually turn around and implement in short order. We haven’t had an update on where that particular reform is going at this point, so I look forward to an update from the Minister of the Social Programs committee, hopefully, at some point in time.

One of the things I wondered in terms of the Foundation for Change is whether or not the board reform initiatives, and there have been some that are flying under the radar for the last little while, but whether or not there is going to be any changes, any board reform relative to health and social service authorities that’s going to have an impact on the budget. I don’t know if any changes have any impact on this upcoming, or if it’s going to be another year or so before we’re going to see that.

In terms of funding, I am extremely concerned about the possibility that the THAF funding won’t be renewed. I think it will be a huge blow. We’ve had some discussions at committee with the Minister previously and have been advised that the department is looking at a plan if that funding doesn’t come through. I would hope that those plans are well underway. I hope it’s not just empty words that, yes, we’re looking at things and they haven’t started yet, because March is not a very long time away. If we don’t have the THAF funding, if it’s not renewed, there are a couple of areas where I think we really need to seriously consider maintaining the service that we have.

I know the business plan talked about expanding midwifery services. Well, I don’t imagine that’s going to happen if we don’t get the THAF funding renewed. We need to maintain the midwifery programs that we currently have and not cut those.

The other area is in terms of nurse practitioners. I think nurse practitioners fit in with our change in thinking and going to primary care and community care. Nurse practitioners, those that we have, must be maintained, in my view.

A couple of things in terms of the budget in general and the business plans: I’m supportive of an increase in respite funding for provision of respite to parents who are caring for children and need the respite. I’m very supportive of the implementation of the Family Violence Action Plan, Phase II. It’s absolutely something that’s necessary. I think phase I and the beginning part of phase II have proven that it is a successful plan and program.

Another large concern for me is the Supplementary Health Benefits Program. We haven’t seen any indication of where that program is going. Presumably work is happening. That’s a huge expense. It adds to our health budget quite a lot. I don’t know that it’s indicated in the budget whether or not changes to the Supplementary Health Benefits Program are reflected in this particular budget. So I’m interested in finding out that when

we get there, and also what sort of consultation and what progress there’s been on consultation.

I think that’s it, Mr. Chair. Thank you.