It seems to me that would be something that would come about as a result of getting a classification, because then you know what capacity you have and what resources need to go where. If you don't have the classification to begin with, then midwifery isn't even part of the review and the consideration. So really, I'm just not getting it. It seems inexplicable why this wouldn't be advancing. According to all the information we've seen, midwives would actually be assisting nurse practitioners. They would actually be extending the scope of practice. Maybe there wouldn't be one in every remote community, but they would be one of the choices there if you could get over the technical barrier of having the classification. I'm sure we'll take this up in the study, but I really wish Health Canada would advance this and see it as something that is a priority.
On March 4th, 2014. See this statement in context.