Glen Abernethy

We’re on page 6-10, Active Positions – Health and Social Services Authorities.

Department of Health and Social Services, Active Positions – Health and Social Services Authorities, approved.

Mr. Cummings.

Just in closing, I think it’s all well and good; I think it’s great. I know that Aurora College is the responsibility of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. But as the primary employer and the organization that facilitates practicum and on-the-job training opportunities, I do think the department should collaborate and work very closely with Education, Culture and Employment to find solutions to keep these enrolment levels up.

As far as placements go, I understand your challenges. I get it. I know we can’t place everybody in Yellowknife, and I think you have done a great job...

We’re on page 6-10, Department of Health and Social Services, information item, Active Positions – Health and Social Services Authorities. Mr. Ramsay.

Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Given that we’re on the page, I just have a real quick question. I see that the graduate placement program is being reduced, and I understand that’s due to lack of enrolment or lack of uptake on the program, which makes sense. I mean, if we don’t have enough students, it makes sense not to spend the money — or rather, to reinvest that money in more appropriate areas. But it raises a different question to me.

Given the importance of nurses and the success we’ve had at Aurora College and intake on that nursing program, I’m really curious why the enrolment is dropping off so...

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Ms. Lee.

I’d like to thank the Minister for putting words in my mouth. I’d prefer it, obviously, if she’d actually listen to what I’m saying.

The department has a mandate. I’m asking you what criteria you were using to ensure that the elimination of specific positions would not adversely affect your mandate. I’m not suggesting they weren’t doing or contributing to the mandate. But changing positions — which were obviously, at some point in the department’s history, put in there because they contributed to the mandate…. Removing them has an impact. I’m asking you what criteria you used to dig into the...

I’m not sure what that means. I’m not sure how you’re planning to train these individuals. I’d like some information on that.

Thank you, Mr.  Cummings. Any further questions on page 6-10? Mr. Hawkins.