Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is with the whole area of cuts in communities, especially in relation to my community. I have raised this many times in this House, talking about the whole idea of mental health, alcohol and drug programs with regard to the Tl'oondih, what is happening with Delta House and now the late round of cuts have hit my communities again in regards to the cuts to the mental health workers in the communities. I believe this is a significant step backwards to this House, talks about community empowerment, community wellness and giving the communities the tools to carry out the work that is needed to ensure that we have safe and healthy means and access for people who are in desperate need.
In regards to Fort McPherson, five years ago I believe was the last time we had a suicide and I believe it is because of the mental health worker coming into our community after that incident and ensuring that there was some sort of method so people had access to someone that they can talk to about their problems and their emotions. I believe with this drastic step that this government has taken to cut out the mental health workers in the communities, I believe we are disempowering the communities not empowering them.
I stood up in this House several times asking questions to the Minister in regards to alcohol and drug programs in our regions and how money is going to be spent. He keeps giving me the answer that, well it is going to be downloaded to the health boards, but I do not believe I heard that the mental health workers were also going to be part of this slash and cut process of this government.
So at the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister a question on this matter and in regards to ensure those communities that there will be power given to the communities and not just to the health boards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.