Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister of Health and Social Services, my priority is going to be on the client, to providing the best services that we possibly can to the client. This includes residents of all communities throughout the Northwest Territories, including Tsiigehtchic.

In follow-up to the Member’s question, the department has agreed that we would start looking at alternatives and solutions for the small communities like Tsiigehtchic, Colville Lake and Wrigley and we will continue to do that, but we are limited by a number of things.

The current ISDM indicates service levels for communities and that there won’t be nurses in communities of less than 250 people. I can say that we do have regular visits to communities like Tsiigehtchic. On a regular basis, a nurse from the public health unit in Inuvik visits at least one day a week, and during freeze-up and breakup a nurse will actually reside in the community. We also have one CHR and one home support worker in the community.

I understand that more needs to be done. I am committed to working with the Member as well as residents of the community to find solutions that work.

I have directed the department to begin reviewing the ISDM to ensure that the right health services and the right mix are identified for our communities. Work needs to be done on that and I’m happy to work with the Member, with the residents of the community and with committee. Thank you.