The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.
Debates of Feb. 20th, 1997
Topics
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Return To Question 355-13(4) Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a recognition that alcohol abuse is a contributing factor to infant mortality. However, it is more of an issue in respect to prebirth and postbirth, in regards to the FAS/FAE issue of significant developmental delays in behaviour and learning patterns after birth as a result of alcohol abuse, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Return To Question 355-13(4) Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned it is more the effects after the birth when it comes to FAE and FAS, and knowing that is something a person will carry with them lifelong. There is no cure. Does the Minister have any numbers available when it comes to the cost of someone that is affected with FAE/FAS? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 739
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any definitive costs in respect to individuals that are affected by FAS/FAE. I think it is recognized that there is a multiple affect throughout the system in having to care for an individual that has those types of problems from birth medically, through school in some of the learning disabilities that may develop and some of behaviour problems that may develop in some individuals right up to where it leads the individuals to become problems in respect to the justice system, and having a requirement in that area as well, Mr.
Speaker. There is not a clear cut costing. I would say individuals vary on the circumstances. What impacts some of the remedial steps that are taken to try to address the causes and try to correct some of those problems while they are growing up, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think if we put all the numbers together, we would find out that it is extremely costly to deal with this after the fact instead of being preventative in this area. When you take a look at all the issues related with FAE/FAS, the care in homes, the foster care, the justice system and so on. I would like to know from the Minister, what are we doing in the area of trying to deal with FAE/FAS in a preventative way, a way to try to attack this where we start dealing with things in a preventative way instead of dealing with it after the fact? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is one of the initiatives that the government is trying to do through the partners in the social envelope. Some of the early childhood intervention initiatives try to promote the awareness of this issue. We are continuing to work with FAS/FAE support groups throughout the Northwest Territories, to develop the promotional material and programming to try to raise the profile and deal with this issue, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is good to see that we are starting to do something in this area, but I would like to know if there is anything more concrete, besides awareness in the area of FAE/FAS? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, for the longterm solution we have to get the awareness of it up, so that we can try to alleviate the possibilities or minimize the possibility of individuals coming into life with FAS or FAE. We have ongoing support programs that we continue to try to work on trying to address individuals that are currently affected with it. It would have to be from a two-pronged approach in trying to deal on a preventative side in starting to expand the awareness of the issue and in dealing with individuals that are already impacted with FAS/FAE, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Question 355-13(4): Effects Of Alcohol On Infant Mortality
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation. I have been made to understand that the federal Department of Public Works is in discussions and negotiations with the NWT Housing Corporation to handle the maintenance of their staff housing in Yellowknife. I wonder if the Minister could confirm this for me.
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that there have been talks going on between the Department of Works and Services Canada and the Housing Corporation, and the federal government's desire to have our corporation manage and maintain their staff units.
Return To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The concern lies with the present employees of both the Housing Corporation and of the federal Department of Public Works. I wonder if the Minister could tell us what arrangements are being made with respect to the staff of the federal department. Will they be transferred to the territorial system? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I do not have that level of detail in front of me, but the arrangement would be on a fee for service basis, and only if there would be a net benefit to the Housing Corporation. The other information that the Member requested, I do not have at this time.
Further Return To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Mr. Ootes, supplementary.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to hear that it will be fee for service which is, of course, great for this government from a revenue point of view. I am wondering if the Minister could provide me with the information regarding the arrangements for the employees from the federal system that are to be transferred, and what the implications for those employees will be. In addition, how it will affect our employees? I am wondering if the Minister could ensure that I receive that information.
Supplementary To Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Question 356-13(4): Maintenance Of Yellowknife Staff Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 740
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. That was two questions. Mr. Arlooktoo.