Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS paramedics provide an essential service to residents across the Northwest Territories through the delivery of emergency medical care and integrating paramedics into small communities is part of the small community model of care review;

AND WHEREAS paramedics practicing in the Northwest Territories are currently regulated through professional regulatory bodies in other Canadian jurisdictions rather than through a Northwest Territories regulatory framework specific to paramedics;

AND WHEREAS in the absence of regulation for paramedics in the Northwest Territories, there is a lack of clear understanding about where complaints of malpractice are directed and who is liable if a mistake or accident occurs;

AND WHEREAS concerns have been raised that paramedics may not be adequately protected or insured under regulatory bodies from other jurisdictions;

AND WHEREAS regulating the profession of paramedicine under the Health and Social Services Professions Act is necessary to ensure public safety, mitigate liability concerns, allow the profession to grow, and support emergency care for residents of the Northwest Territories;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Yellowknife North, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to immediately begin formal consultation with paramedics and paramedic operators practising in the territory on how paramedicine can be most effectively regulated as a profession under the Health and Social Services Professions Act;

AND FURTHER, that this consultation seek input from paramedics on how regulation could protect both residents and paramedics by clarifying professional oversight, complaints of malpractice, liability, and insurance;

AND FURTHER, that it be done in close consultation with provincial paramedic regulators to both ensure a mutual understanding of current jurisdiction of provincially regulated paramedics working in the Northwest Territories and to gain understanding of best practices in paramedicine regulation;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories report back on the results of this consultation, including the level of support among paramedics and any recommended next steps for developing regulations under the Health and Social Services Professions Act;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories respond to this motion within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.