Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the reason that I know this number because it was asked of me, and so I asked the department, where are these nurses and how many do we actually have right now working, and there was seven and they're in obstetrics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I can do it short, but I can do it so I could give the answer. So currently the NTHSSA is finalizing its formal employee engagement strategy. This is a draft strategy that's been distributed to all the staff members for their input, and they are actively seeking feedback. So executiveled council meetings provide a platform for discussion and feedback gathering, to communicate effectively with staff, the NTHSSA uses various channels, including daily staff emails, monthly coffee breaks, COO communication with staff monthly through their own newsletter, regular staff tailgate...

I could let Minister of housing answer, but I don't know if he'll get the answer he wants. Sorry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, you know, the North the NTHSSA uses agency nurses as a last resort. This is not something that we want to do but when it comes to closing beds, closing units, you know, we seen this happen two years ago when the obstetrics you know, that you know, and we raised it in this House. It was raised in this House that, you know, the costs of the twomonth closure and the impact on all of those families that had to travel due to the closure, you know, if we're talking about...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, as a past manager I know that the managers get this, and it's highlighted, and so managers are as part of their regular variance review have this information. So I can get back to the Member on, like, just for Stanton and those specific details. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, I think the NTHSSA right now is continuously trying to they're monitoring employee engagement through formal mechanisms as surveys and formal means like all staff meetings, daily newsletters that go out to all staff, a robust information hub for staff in line with the NTHSSA system. And then, you know, with other areas and but, again, like I hear from the Member, you know, I worked in that area. You're busy. You're working. You're not working normal hours. So when you're not able to access the information through certain ways, and, again, if...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has been communication with the people that have been in these positions. They have been communicated since the beginning of the positions. Anybody there were some positions that were transfer assignment. They're going back to their home position. The majority of the people that are filling these positions, as I've mentioned are casual, either the float pool, or they're relief positions. And I think some of the communications initially went that there are and this is kind of what I tried to explain. I'm trying to explain it in a way that people will...

Well, Mr. Speaker, as I got elected and got my portfolio and had my last briefing before I arrived here for session, session will be completed the end of the month, and then I'm hoping that I, myself, the NTHSSA, my department, the finance department, will be able to have a fulsome review of the recommendations and the report and then we'll be able to get that information out to the Members and to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, and a review has been done. I think it was a recommendation from the 19th Assembly that a review be done on this, and there was a review done. It was finalized late in the end of the last Assembly and so the department right now is working the department of health is working with NTHSSA and the Department of Finance to review and analyze the report and its recommendations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last week we announced two significant bilateral agreements with the Government of Canada. These agreements secured two federal investments totaling $36.38 million and demonstrate a shared commitment to both improving health care services for NWT residents, generally, and to enhancing the supports for NWT seniors and elders to stay at home longer as they age with dignity, close to their loved ones and community.

Of that total investment, $24.18 million will be provided over three years, under the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Agreement, to help strengthen...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have that level of detail for the Member, so I'll have to get back to the Member for that. Thank you.