Yellowknife (Mar 21/03) - The spirit of the Stanton Territorial health board is being kept alive by board chairs from the various health authorities and the deputy minister of health, Michael Miltenberger told the legislative assembly earlier this month.

"That is the way we intend to proceed," Miltenberger said, adding "until we are able to deal with the recommendations of the report."

A review of the structure of the Stanton Territorial health board was called after the troubled health board was dissolved.

Miltenberger's answer didn't satisfy Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee who accused Miltenberger of keeping the "status quo."

But Miltenberger stood his ground.

"The intention is to keep the interim arrangement in place for the next few months and look carefully at what is the most appropriate board structure."

Miltenberger said it has been suggested Stanton do away with a board altogether. Other suggestions include amalgamating Stanton and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Board, or that Stanton have a board that is strictly advisory "that just sits off in the side and offers advice," said Miltenberger.

Lee said while public discussion in the house is good, a discussion paper from the health department about Stanton's board would be better.

"God knows health boards have been studied to death," said Lee, "but I'm looking for a specific option for consideration to be forward by the minister."

"I will commit to ensure that Stanton continues to be run appropriately," said Miltenberger, adding,

"In due course, as this debate progresses, we will come up with a model of what should be put in place."