Mr. Speaker, family violence is a serious problem which affects people in all our communities. The cooperation of all levels of government, community organizations and individuals is necessary if people and communities are to be given the support they need to heal themselves. It is particularly important for people who work at the local level to have strategies in place to help those in abusive situations, and to help break the cycle of violence.
I am pleased to say that a number of government departments cooperated in the organization and funding for a two day training session for people who work in the area of family violence prevention in the Keewatin region. The session began Wednesday and ends today. Approximately 50 people representing each Keewatin community are attending the workshop which is being held in Rankin Inlet. The training session will help participants identify the types of family violence most prevalent in their communities and overcome some of the barriers to dealing with these problems as a community-based team. The participants include representatives of the RCMP, schools, community health centres and various projects funded by the Department of Social Services. The NWT family services developed and is delivering the workshop.
The workshop was organized by the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs. It is being cost-shared by the RCMP, Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment Programs.
Mr. Speaker, family violence is an important issue that can only be resolved if everyone works together. The workshop being held in Rankin Inlet is an excellent example of this kind of cooperation. Thank you.