January 27, 2003

An agreement designed to increase Aboriginal representation in the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority was announced today by Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin and Linda Lautamus, board chair of the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority.

“This initiative will help ensure Aboriginal representation among health care workers in northern areas is reflective of the Aboriginal population in the region,” said Lathlin. “Improving the delivery of health-related programs and services to northern residents is a key part of the province’s Northern Development Strategy.”

Lathlin noted that $55,439 from the departments of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Advanced Education and Training will go towards supporting the development of the Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Lautamus stated that today’s signing will set in motion a process that will include partnerships and collaboration between the departments of Health, Education and Training, and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs with representatives from unions, the business community and the Aboriginal community.

The NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority covers approximately 72,000 square kilometers and extends from Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids First Nation in the southeast corner to Pukatawagan and the Mathias Colomb First Nation in the northwest corner. Aboriginal people comprise approximately 40 per cent of the region’s population. Lathlin said that this agreement will benefit many northern communities including residents from the communities of Moose Lake, Cormorant, Easterville, Grand Rapids, Pukatawagan and the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

The official signing of the partnership agreement will take place today at The Pas Health Complex at 4 p.m.