Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Department of Health and Social Services

Child and Family Services Act Recommendations

A full review of the act resulted in 71 practical recommendations for improving the system. Most were accepted, or accepted in principle, and await funding allocations to complete. Some initial steps

were taken in the 2011-2012 budget, notably to establish child and family service committees in at least five more communities, and to expand the Healthy Families Program.

A number of other recommendations are advanced in the department’s strategic plan 2011-2015. The committee held public meetings in 10 communities. Expectations are high that changes will take place over several years, along with regular reviews of the act.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Health Programs and Services

The Auditor General of Canada reviewed health services in 2010 and reported to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in March 2011. The report included seven major recommendations for the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Human Resources. The Standing Committee on Government Operation’s report was tabled in May 2011, and included the recommendations that the Department of Health and Social Services update the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the progress of implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations. This update has not occurred, and no implementation plan has been presented to either standing committee. The government’s response to the Standing Committee on Government Operation’s recommendations was tabled on August 19, 2011. The 17th Assembly may

wish to review the progress of the department.

A Foundation for Change

The Department of Health and Social Services has agreed to provide quarterly updates on the challenging task of modernizing and streamlining the Northwest Territories health system, but reminders are often required. The most recent update was provided on August 19, 2011. The Foundation for Change and the draft 2011-2015 Strategic Plan was provided on the same day, and therefore, only a quick review was possible. The strategic plan outlines the principle actions to be taken to modernize and streamline the health system over the next five years, and should be reviewed more carefully by the next committee. With significant changes in the department’s leadership in recent months, a timely update early in the 17th Assembly’s mandate may be

appropriate. Governance of health authorities and their deficits, as well as the Territorial Addictions Treatment Strategy will likely be of particular interest.

Midwifery

The Midwifery Program has never been fully implemented. Service has been temporarily cut back in Yellowknife, but the Department of Health and Social Services continues to be committed to midwifery services in as many communities as is

practical. A model to accomplish this across the Northwest Territories is being developed, to be completed in 2011-2012 for potential inclusion in the 2013-2014 business plan. It is the committee’s view that there should be midwifery services in every community.

Respite Care

In response to pressure from the Assembly, the Department of Health and Social Services is developing a Territorial Respite Care Program for inclusion in the 2012-2013 business plan. The new program will include existing services operating in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Aklavik, and Deline.

I would like to hand off the reading of the report to my colleague Mr. Bromley, MLA for Weledeh.