Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities of this government, as outlined in Towards A Better Tomorrow, is the improvement of social well-being through self-reliant individuals, families and communities working with governments. In particular, the vision provides for a specific focus on issues facing women, children, elders and persons with disabilities.
In support of this direction, the department, in collaboration with its partners, has been working on a number of significant initiatives which are now positioned to move forward in conjunction with the Health and Social Services Action Plan 2002-2005. These include the Continuing Care Framework, the Addictions, Mental Health and Family Violence Framework and the Disabilities Steering Committee.
Mr. Speaker, the Continuing Care Framework is composed of programs and services to meet the needs of both adults and children of the Northwest Territories. The framework focuses on strengthening integration of community services and intersectoral links through three strategies: home and community care, supported living so people can remain in their own homes and the provision of long-term care in facilities. The goal of this framework is to ensure individuals' needs are being met in the least invasive manner, promoting the greatest opportunity for lasting wellness and functional independence at an optimal level. The planning and costing of the framework is to be completed by June 2002.
The Continuing Care Framework will also assist the department to focus on issues relating to repatriation. This work will include identifying and analyzing the costs associated with repatriation options, recruitment and retention issues and training and capacity building. It will also provide a forum to discuss how best to address the needs within the NWT related to specific issues such as Alzheimer's.
In 2001-2002, efforts were focused on the home and community care portion of this strategy. A steering committee representative of aboriginal partners, health and social services authorities, the federal government and the department has guided the implementation of three-year enhancement plans
for home care services. These plans include training of community staff and the enhancement to services. Through this process, 21 home support workers were certified in 2001-2002, six home support workers are currently in training and ten home care nurses received additional training in such areas as diabetes and palliative care.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT Disability Framework and Action Plan will be developed to address the special needs of persons with disabilities. Where appropriate, this work will to some degree supplement the work being carried out to develop the Continuing Care Framework. An NWT steering committee partnership consisting of GNWT departments, aboriginal organizations and non-governmental organizations has been established to guide the development of the Disabilities Framework and Action Plan.
The framework for action will be completed in the spring of 2002 and the planning and costing for implementation of these actions will be completed by June 2002. The framework will address areas of concern, such as service gaps and income support for the permanently disabled.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the Addictions, Mental Health and Family Violence Framework for action is another important initiative supporting health and well-being for Northerners. The goal of this framework is to ensure effective, culturally relevant addictions, mental health and family violence programs and services be accessible to all residents, provide for the needs of the most vulnerable groups and support a nurturing and responsible society in the NWT. The department is committed to an array of services to address addiction, mental health and family violence issues.
The framework will be critical to addressing a number of issues that have been raised by the people of the NWT and Members of this Legislature. These include socio-economic impacts of development, funding and salaries of non-governmental organizations, training of alcohol and drug workers, family violence services available to communities, training of mental health workers and requests for addiction treatment facilities.
The department will be completing a framework for action and action plan with costing for Cabinet consideration later this spring. We will be implementing the action plan after consultation and in collaboration with stakeholders and other related strategies and frameworks, including the Social Agenda, Early Childhood Development Action Plan, Northern Wellness Initiative and the Continuing Care Framework.
As this government continues its efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity, these initiatives will provide a framework to effect change and improve the quality of life of our citizens. These programs and services are an essential part of our social safety net. They are orientated to support healthy, self -reliant Northerners who can fully participate in the opportunities that the North provides. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause