Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, as I responded to the Member earlier in the House today, the residential style of treatment for addictions is not the only option that is available. In 1996 to 1997 when there was a reform undertaken, a lot of information was collected and certainly we are not without a good number of treatment beds available, related to our population, but we also found at that time that the success statistics, for lack of a better word, in the residential treatment programs were not as high as people might think. We should have a variety of options open to people who want to deal with addictions. There were also gaps identified, such as when people return to their community, whether or not support would be there for aftercare.

When we look at addictions, we do have under development at this present time, a mental health and addictions strategy. I totally concur with the Member that there are many underlying mental health issues associated with addictions. Just about everything the Member has identified are clearly the way things are. I do agree with him. However, it is the position of the department that we do need programs and initiatives which are more encompassing and look at a broader picture than just residential style treatment programs.

Statistics indicate that both current and former people who have had problems with addictions used a variety of services to help address their addictions or substance abuse. These included everything from the help of family members and friends to a nurse, a doctor, a hospital, a community-based drug and alcohol program, Alcoholics Anonymous, the use of a detox centre, spiritual leaders in the communities, and certainly residential treatment is one other thing that has helped a lot of people. However, it is only one method of treatment. There certainly are others. Through the alternative programs initiatives, the department has been working with other NGOs and stakeholders to try and determine what is the most effective way to spend our resources to get the maximum results. The needs are great and we want to ensure we direct our resources in such a way that we have the most effective results. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.