Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS access to health care and addressing the effects of trauma is a priority for the 20th Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the financial outlook of the Northwest Territories is dire despite the efforts of the Government of the Northwest Territories through its fiscal strategy;

AND WHEREAS sustained shortages of staff have reduced access to health care services in NWT communities and placed increased operational demands on full-time staff leading to burnout;

AND WHEREAS the Auditor general of Canada indicated an emphasis of matter in the 2022-2023 Public Accounts concerning the financial performance of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority;

AND WHEREAS the continued use of agency nurses in the health care system is financially unsustainable;

AND WHEREAS the total consolidated debt of the Government of the Northwest Territories has reached $1.74 billion in breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Policy;

AND WHEREAS it is more important than ever for the government to improve the financial and operational sustainability of the Northwest Territories health care system.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that the House call on the Auditor general of Canada to conduct a performance audit of all aspects of the management of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority in its delivery of health care services, including medical travel and the recruitment and retention of nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, and to prioritize this investigation;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Speaker formally transmit this motion and the content of our proceedings in relation to this motion to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada for their consideration.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.