Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Today there are a lot of things that have to be addressed through government. (Translation ends)
...cross-cultural training especially in the areas of health, social services, education, culture and employment. My constituents of Nahendeh have addressed this topic to me on numerous occasions, and each has a story to tell as to why they have concluded that a program such as this should be implemented. They have asked me to question the GNWT as to why there are no such programs currently in place, and enquire whether the GNWT will implement the cross-cultural training program for people who are hired from the South to come to work with the people of the Northwest Territories.
My constituents have noticed that a majority of these southern employees who come to work in the smaller, northern, aboriginal communities do not have any knowledge of the culture, lifestyle or background of the people they are working and dealing with, nor do they wish to take the time to learn. Some of these employees seem very insensitive to the needs of their patients or clients, and tend to treat them in an inferior manner. My constituents want concerned workers who are willing to take the time to understand and respect the land, people, communities, culture, lifestyle, language and background information dealing with their current situation. As a result, the elders are experiencing great difficulties since they are not able to effectively communicate and feel that they are not heard.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to let the Ministers of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment know that I will be asking questions regarding this cross-cultural training for my riding of Nahendeh. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause