NLIS 6
April 5, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut sign Memorandum of Understanding

I am pleased to inform honourable members that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Nunavut on telemedicine.

This understanding between our province and our newest territory will enable a sharing of information in the field of telehealth and telemedicine, will result in a greater understanding of the best practices in each jurisdiction, and allow an exchange of knowledge on program content and accepted technology in these fields. As a result of the MOU, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut hope to be able to connect remote communities together to further explore the clinical, social, educational and cultural dimensions of managing a telehealth or telemedicine network.

While this MOU is aimed at allowing both jurisdictions to learn more about the innovative means of delivering health services in remote areas, it is also unique in that it was signed on a date of significance for both our province and our newest territory. March 31st marked the 51st anniversary of Newfoundland�s joining with Canada, and it was the eve of the first anniversary of Nunavut as Canada�s newest territory. Noteworthy as well is the fact that Nunavut�s signatory to the MOU was the Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Ed Picco, a native of Portugal Cove. Another Newfoundlander, Hon. Dennis Furlong, New Brunswick�s health minister, witnessed the signing ceremony.

Not only does today�s announcement highlight the strength of partnerships between our governments and educational facilities for the betterment of the health of all Canadians, it is a tribute to the success of the people of this province who have taken on public policy leadership positions in our country.

2000 04 05                                                         2:40 p.m.