Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the health sustainability unit falls under the executive office under the Premier. What I can say is there is work being done within that unit to be able to look at what the core services are that we are funded for and are we adequately funded for those services through all the funding that we get. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the team consists -- when investigations happen, they are done by social workers. Social workers' experience -- are experienced in conducting investigations of this nature and once the investigation steps are completed, you know, they will do the process that they have to do. If there's a criminal process that they have to report, they have a duty to report then they will do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, even as the Minister, if there is an investigation going on I get notified that the matter is concluded. And so if that's what the Member is wanting to know, if the matter is concluded, when it's concluded, that will be as much information that would be available to share. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within investigations when child and family services is involved, if there are any legal implications within the investigation then they will, you know, report to RCMP or to whomever that needs to happen. And sometimes RCMP are part of investigations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, you know, if this is a CFS -- if there are any CFS investigations, those are children that we are talking about. Those are highly confidential, sensitive investigations. If there are criminal -- you know, things that go forward, then they go to the RCMP and criminal charges would be filed, and those would be in the courts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member is referring to a current investigation, I cannot, you know, discuss any investigations publicly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure of how detailed, like, the vacancy -- the vacancy information that we have, but I can commit to providing the most recent vacancy information that we have. But I'd like to say, however, Mr. Speaker, that in doing exit interviews, you know, staff are choosing to leave due to many different issues in primary care. Many are departing for sick family members that live outside the NWT that they've disclosed or reasons related to family and child care. Mr. Speaker, there have been two NPs that have left primary care since the move -- or there have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with no added resources in primary care, the delivery model has been reorganized with the intent to deliver a more equitable access to service aligning the restructuring with the transition to Liwego'ati proved to be relatively a seamless process. The ten teams involved in the relocation would primarily be absorbed to fulfill the additional staffing requirements resulting in the potential dissolution of several teams. Blaming the way the reform and operation changes that are happening for all the negativity and reduced efficiency overlooks the historical...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the department we have not been focusing on advancing these areas but, however, the work will be done in the future to determine what resources would be required to move them forward. And just so that the Member is aware, that the work that has been -- they've been doing is to be established and, like, they've updated the work plan that's been drafted and they've also begun to develop policies and processes. So there's things that have been going on behind the scenes to be able to roll out and work on those 12 recommendations that they have approved, and...

The Department of Health and Social Services is making progress on the implementation of the recommendations that came from the supported living review. There's been a steering committee with representation from the department and all three health and social services authorities that was established in April of 2023 to oversee this work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.