Recruitment is ongoing on a regular basis for the positions we have in the health and social services system across the Northwest Territories. Every day we’re hiring nurses and other allied health professionals. The division that has suspended some programs is more in the planning area around providing incentives for Northerners to pursue careers, and we have provided significant numbers of bursaries. We have had programs like the Community Health Development Program and the intent is good, but we need to make sure that we’re getting value for money. If we’re spending money on bursaries and getting no return for service, we need to make sure that we look at those programs, stop spending or giving out the dollars until we can have a program that meets the needs of our residents and provides an opportunity or incentive to actually return the service that we were hoping to get. An initial review shows there is clearly some question as to whether or not we’re getting value for money for those programs.

We continue to recruit daily. We continue to fill positions across the Northwest Territories. We are committed to the health and social services system and we will continue to recruit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.