Our biggest department, probably our biggest challenges, very heavily dependent on technology, very expensive technology, so there’s lots of work here. I appreciate the work he does on these challenges. I also very much appreciate our social programs. I think we have a very effective bunch working on that front, too, and I know the Minister appreciates that.

I just want to mention the social determinates of health. To me, this is the framework within which I like to view things. It’s a broad scope. They are early childhood development education; ability of one to get a job; the kind of work that one does; food security; access to health services, especially equitable access and the quality of those services; housing status; income and income equity, again; and discrimination and social support.

I think this department has clear leads and responsibilities in the area of early childhood and access to health services, and quality and so on, and roles with social support. But I think what it speaks to in the big picture is the opportunity we now are realizing to make big strides when we integrate well with other departments, and that’s a huge challenge when you have so much on your plate to start with, but so important. I know there are some examples out there, Saskatoon has some delivery programs in facilities that are quite intriguing. I think our Primary Care Clinic here was a big advance. The flexibility in hours that it presents to people and so on, I see us moving, to some degree, in this direction. I know with our doctor heading up the Canadian Medical Association, there is some good work going on there.

I guess it would be good to have some context where the Minister sees us within the five- to 10-year strategy that we have. Certainly in the 16thAssembly, we came out with Building on our Foundation, 2011-2016 report, and I’m assuming this will fit. The work proposed is done in the context of that report and the priorities of the 17thAssembly.

I really appreciate the concerted effort that’s being done, as needed, to address costs and especially through the efficient use of new technology and the opportunities of the new Mackenzie Valley fibre optic plan would have for us there.

Just going through the Minister’s comments, I’m glad to see the recognition. I think they’ve done well in terms of total amount. It’s always a challenge.

The clear link the Minister sees between investing and prevention/promotion and containing future health care costs, I agree with that especially when you put it in personal terms, the improved health of our people. That’s what we’re all talking about. The department is 3.4 percent, maybe more. Again, we can debate those things but I don’t want to go there. I think the main thing is that there’s not enough, we need more, whatever that amount is and we need to be effective with on-the-ground programs that are integrated again with other programs that really contribute to people making good decisions on aspects of their lives that influence their health and, of course, on the delivery of health itself.

The $1.1 million in new funding to address gaps in services for mental health and addictions, that’s really great to see. I want to know that that is going to address the needs of a specialized core, mental health court program and we can get into that in detail, but just a head’s up that I will be keenly interested in that.

Forty percent of our admissions related to chronic disease, so we’ve got some good opportunities to do more work on that front. It’s been identified by the Minister and by committee, and particularly from the standpoint of prevention. Diseases we hear about, diabetes, heart disease, mental health, addictions, cancer, many of those or all of them are appropriately addressed and attached through prevention-type activities, again, requiring an integrated-across-departments approach.

I am very happy to see the system-wide leadership to ensure that every resident receives the best care possible. This is the equity, health equity business and access to health consistent standards. Right on!

The first jurisdiction in Canada, possibly, to implement an electronic medical record system. Again really good. The word is possibly or poised, so my question is: When?

Midwifery, my colleagues have spoken to that and I have spoken to that in the House clearly. I know the Minister is aware of that. I am not pleased with, again, more planning and oversight. We have a considerable amount of time and experience now with the Midwifery Program. We developed the legislation, I think, well over a decade ago, so let’s get going with on-the-ground programs.

There’s $1.1 million to enhance staff levels at three long-term care facilities. Yeah, we’re aging. I’m the first to admit that, of course. So I support this initiative. What does that buy us, I wonder, in PYs in these facilities. Maybe we could get a breakdown from the Minister on that.

Medical travel. Again, my colleagues have talked about this. We’ve been excited. We heard some time ago, I think in the 16thAssembly, from the medical advisor, whatever his title is, Dr. Affleck, very exciting stuff. It sounds like we might actually do something here. That’s exciting. In fact, we’ve already enjoyed some savings, the Minister noted. I’m curious what is the evidence for savings is there.

There’s $472,000 towards a virtual call centre. That’s what I think Dr. Affleck is talking about, so really exciting. Looking forward to hearing the details on that.

Mr. Chair, that’s it. You know, I think we need a social determinates of health approach that requires cooperative and integrated work with other departments. Investing in innovative and equitable delivery programs, I think there are some examples starting out there.

Early childhood development, the Minister knows, is number one to me, number one. That results in better health, better education and people are not in the corrections programs.

An increasing focus on prevention and promotion and all of these really are, to some degree, part of that. Midwifery, we need on-the-ground programming. A functioning mental health system that supports mental health court. I can’t help but mention the Stanton Hospital, Mr. Chair. We just had a tour and we had a tour in the 16thAssembly. People were cramped already. Hallways are filled with freight. People were working out of closets. From time to time, we’re patients and we see that side too. There’s not good patient flow. Things are laid out in a very awkward way for today’s medicine. So although we’re not talking infrastructure today, one can’t help but think the delivery of programs and health care is compromised in that sort of situation. It’s certainly got to be hard on people. Mahsi.