Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address the issue of the recognition of addictions counselling profession by this government. Recently, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services unveiled a report entitled A State of Emergency; A Report on the Delivery of the Addictions Services in the NWT. This report chronicled the challenges currently being faced by alcohol and drug counsellors attempting to address the complex issues associated with substance abuse and addictions in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the concerns associated with the qualification of counsellors and the ability of current programs to meet the needs of the communities that they serve must be addressed immediately.
Mr. Speaker, we must as a group of concerned stakeholders work to break the cycle of chronic relapses. The impacts of chronic relapses cost to this government each year millions of dollars in increased health care and socio and economic costs.
Mr. Speaker, alcohol and drug counsellors throughout the North have worked very hard over the years, providing a wide range of services to those who suffer from alcohol and drug addictions.
The time has come, Mr. Speaker, for this government to recognize alcohol and drug counsellors as allied health professionals, and to have alcohol and drug programming deemed a poor service.
Mr. Speaker, the recognition of addictions counselling as a profession, and the credentials earned through a certification process, represents the first step in building our current programs.
Mr. Speaker, with the formal recognition of addictions professions, measures can be taken to ensure that quality ethical and professional services are delivered to our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we must strive to be accountable to our communities. We can demonstrate our commitment to that ideal by recognizing the profession of addictions counselling.
Mr. Speaker, this government has formed partnerships with Aurora College and the Canadian Addictions Counselling Certification Board and other interested stakeholders to achieve higher standards of personal and professional growth for addictions counsellors.
Mr. Speaker, National Addictions Awareness Week will be held from November 17th to the 23rd. I would encourage the Minister that during this week, an announcement be made outlining this government's support for the formal recognition of this profession.
Mr. Speaker, many other professions are recognized and have designations and/or certifications associated with...