My second question is about Northwest Territories medical students rejected for residencies.
Mr. Speaker, the development of a sustainable health care workforce in the Northwest Territories is dependent on supporting and retaining northern professionals. More Northerners employed in health care would provide stability and inspire more Northerners to work in health care.
It has come to light that several Northwest Territories residents who are medical students have attempted to complete their residencies within the territory but were not accommodated. This raises concerns about the barriers facing prospective local physicians and the long-term impacts on health care delivery in the North.
My questions are to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services:
- How many Northwest Territories resident medical students have applied to complete their medical residencies in the Northwest Territories in the past five years?
- How many were accepted/accommodated, and how many were rejected?
- What are the medical fields/areas of practice or specialties able to be undertaken as a residency in the Northwest Territories?
- What steps is the department taking to ensure that Northwest Territories resident medical students are supported in completing their medical training, including residency placements within the Northwest Territories?
Mr. Speaker, my third question is about the senior envoy.