News Release

1999-97
July 20, 1999

Progress being made in Sioux Lookout Zone

SIOUX LOOKOUT, ONTARIO --Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Charles Fox and Robert Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora/Rainy River today expressed satisfaction with progress to date in finding solutions to the health care issues in the Sioux Lookout Zone. These comments follow the receipt of reports from Health Minister Allan Rock's recently established Working Group set up to address these issues.

At recent meetings in Winnipeg with NAN Deputy Grand Chief James Morris, McMaster University reported that seven physicians have been signed to the Zone Hospital practice, four physicians are in advanced stages of negotiation and expressions of interest have been received from a significant number of other physicians.

A Steering Committee, comprised of the Minister of Health, Allan Rock, Mr. Robert Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora/Rainy River, Grand Chief Fox, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and Minister Rock's representative Graham Dixon, will continue to provide overall direction to the Sioux Lookout Zone Working Group.

Speaking for the Steering Committee, Grand Chief Fox and Mr. Nault said that while many issues remain, the first priority of restoring doctors services to the communities and reopening the Zone Hospital appears well on the way to being met. Through familiarization visits to First Nations communities in the Zone, doctors are being well received by Chiefs, Councils and the people. This is a major factor in the recruitment process and involves First Nations at the community level.

Minister Rock and National Chief Fontaine added that they look forward to continued progress reports and the involvement of First Nations in the deliberations and decisions on the health issues in the Sioux Lookout Zone.

Minister Rock also added his appreciation for the ongoing commitment and hard work of all staff in the Sioux Lookout Zone.

An interim report from the Working Group, with recommendations to the Steering Committee, is anticipated for the end of July with a proposed course of action and timetable for achievement.

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Media Inquiries
Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
Tel. : (613) 957-1515

Grand Chief Charles Fox
Tel. : (807) 623-8228

Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991