Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Standards of Practice

Bill 40 proposes adapting standards for the practice of medicine by adding a code of ethics and competency programming. The new paragraph would allow the Minister to recommend regulations on code of ethics, continuing competency programs and the nature of those programs, and scope of practice frameworks and guidelines. The medical community responded with concerns that in most provinces, licensing colleges set and enforce standards of practice within the framework of self-regulation of the medical profession physicians.

The NWT Medical Association pointed out that the profession's priorities may not always align with the priorities of the government. The College of Family Physicians of Canada recommended aligning the application of standards with comparable structures in neighbouring provinces and suggested Alberta is the best fit due to proximity and existing integration.

The College recommended considering an affiliation with an existing licensing College for ease of operation. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada encouraged the NWT government to collaborate with the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada and its regional authorities to ensure pan-Canadian alignment in professional standards of practice.

The Registered Nurses Association of NWT and Nunavut welcomed the new paragraph as it would lead to "increased patient safety and satisfaction by ensuring that virtual practice physicians clearly understand the context of virtual practice in the North."

Gaps to be Addressed in Legislation

The College of Family Physicians of Canada noted that the amendments proposed in Bill 40 do not address issues the Physician Executive sees with the current MPA. These include the reliance on outdated certification requirements, the differential and discriminatory treatment of family physicians compared to other specialists, the inability to administer conditional licenses, etc.

The College recommended consultation with the local physician leadership from the Territorial Physician Executive to understand these requirements.

Future Collaboration Toward Virtual Care Access The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada encouraged the NWT government to ensure pan-Canadian alignment in professional standards of practice in Canada. It recommended actions toward virtual care access and standards of practice beyond Bill 40:

1. Leverage virtual care models in an ecosystem that promotes continuity of care (ensure availability of information in the NWT Electronic Medical Record);

2. Provide virtual care within NWT's publicly insured system, which meets the principles of the Canada Health Act;

3. Provide all people living in NWT, including those in rural and remote communities, access to reliable high-speed internet to ensure they reap the full benefits of virtual care;.

4. Design virtual care services in genuine partnership with Indigenous communities of the NWT to ensure care is delivered in a culturally safe manner;

5. Collaborate with people with lived experience (including patients and care partners) to ensure that the virtual care model meets the needs of the people relying on it;

6. Pursue ongoing quality improvement to assure NWT's successful deployment of virtual care;.

7. Integrate virtual care services with in-person care. Consider physician workforce, medical facilities, specialized equipment, clinical teams and other necessary resources, to ensure a proper balance of in-person and virtual specialty care within the territory.

Mr. Speaker, I now turn it over to Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Mahsi.