The Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii Hospital Replacement (QCHGHR) project took an important step forward today with the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to design and build a new hospital. The RFQ is the first step in the process to select a qualified team to design and build the replacement facility.

Minister of Health Michael de Jong has issued the following statement:

"Today the Medical Services Commission released an audit of Cambie Surgeries Corporation and the Specialist Referral Clinic (Vancouver) Inc. which indicated a practice of billing patients for publicly insured medical services.

Construction is now underway on the Mission Community Health Project, which includes a new community health centre and 200-bed campus of care for seniors.

One hundred and twenty people will have access to four-week training program that allows participants to gain employment and work in the high-demand food processing industry, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.

Northern Health today released a tender for site preparation for the new Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.

After a re-examination of current resources and demand, Social Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux announced that government is restoring a number of medically necessary medical equipment and supplies for clients on income and disability assistance.