Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express some concerns which have been brought to my attention. These relate to the acknowledgement and use of the various types of training taken by alcohol and drug counsellors. I believe that this government has adopted a philosophy of standardizing the training of alcohol and drug counsellors in the Northwest Territories. To achieve this, this government is also using the exclusive services of Arctic College to develop and deliver this program.

Madam Speaker, there are many alcohol and drug programs in the Northwest Territories, and all are committed to the growth, development and training of their workers. However, there are many counsellors, especially ones in the western Arctic, who have been trained through the Nechi Institute on Alcohol and Drugs, in Alberta. These workers are convinced that the training provided by Nechi is more appropriate than that now provided by Arctic College. Therein lies the dilemma. This government does not recognize and will not assist in sponsoring alcohol and drug counsellors to complete their training through the Nechi Institute. Some of the concerns raised about the current program at Arctic College reflect the reliability, availability and consistency of its courses. Also of concern is the lack of spiritual and cultural components of the programs and, finally, the setting and environment in which courses are delivered.

Madam Speaker, the ultimate objective of our alcohol and drug programs is to assist the people who are ill and in need, and to do this we need properly trained and equipped counsellors. Thus, it would seem beneficial to utilize the various programs and learned people who can help achieve these goals, no matter where they are trained. Our population is so small and the need so huge that we should accept help from whatever source we can. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.