Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, November 12th to November 18th is National Addictions Awareness Week. As you know, addictions is one of the most critical issues we face and I would like to take this opportunity to speak about what my department is doing to address this problem.
Over the past several years, our stakeholders have directed us to provide an array of programs and services that:
- address the underlying issues of addictions and abuse;
- provide services as close to home as possible;
- are delivered in a holistic manner; and
- emphasize more effective programs targeted to women and children.
Mr. Speaker, in response to this direction, the department joined with representatives from health and social services boards to form the Alternative Programs Steering Committee to better address community and regional addiction needs.
Established in April of 1999, the committee has consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and worked with a number of partners to pilot three new programs:
- the Women's Mobile Treatment Program;
- the Women and Children's Healing and Recovery Program; and
- the Youth Mobile Treatment Program.
The Women's Mobile Treatment is a three-week program that addresses a number of issues specific to women and can accommodate up to 15 clients each session. Mr. Speaker, some women have difficulty with residential treatment due to a lack of reliable child care, and discomfort with co-ed programming that can make it difficult to openly discuss sensitive issues such as family violence and sexual and physical abuse. Furthermore, women told us that the programming was often geared to male needs. To date, programs have been successfully held in Rae, Fort Simpson and Lutselk'e and there are plans to deliver these programs in Inuvik and Hay River before the end of this fiscal year.
Another initiative we are very proud of is the Women and Children's Healing and Recovery Program, which was formally launched November 1st. Our partners, the YWCA, Yellowknife Women's Centre, the Status of Women Council and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Board, have developed this pilot project that supports the healing of northern women who have experienced trauma such as family violence, spousal abuse and other forms of sexual or emotional abuse.
The Youth Mobile Program addresses the well-being of youth. It was piloted in Fort Providence and Fort Simpson with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board. This program is targeted at high-risk youth and, like the Women's Mobile Treatment Program, it is customized for the community or region where it is delivered.
This week, I am pleased to advise Members that with our partners, the Native Women's Association of the NWT and the Status of Women Council of the NWT, we are launching the beginning of an FAS awareness campaign. The campaign recognizes that unresolved trauma such as sexual abuse and family violence may affect alcohol use during pregnancy. The campaign focuses on prevention by supporting recovery from abuse and addiction. I would like to recognize the efforts of all the partners, particularly the Native Women's Association, for their commitment to this project.
Mr. Speaker, this awareness campaign and our alternative programs initiative are the beginning of addictions reform, and there are more under development. Currently, the department is working with a variety of partners to establish a territorial Addictions and Mental Health Strategy that will improve our response to addictions and mental health issues which are often interrelated.
The Alternative Program Initiatives and the upcoming Addictions and Mental Health Strategy are not intended to replace existing programs and services. Instead, they will complement the alcohol and addiction projects we fund in 23 communities, the six-bed withdrawal management program at the Salvation Army and the 30-bed residential centre operating out of Hay River.
Compared to other jurisdictions in Canada, we have the best bed-to-patient ratio at adult residential treatment programs. When we are unable to meet client needs in the NWT, referrals can be made to appropriate programs outside of the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, our new initiatives address the fact that there are many approaches to addressing addiction and substance abuse issues and we are committed to exploring new, innovative methods that meet the needs of our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause
