Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a few years back now alcohol and drug workers laboured, often in obscurity, by themselves in isolation in communities not tied into any other health and social services program, with very low pay and no benefits, very little qualification requirements, and over the last few years we came up with a Mental Health and Addiction Strategy that focused on community resources. We put money into salaries and benefits and training. We converted addictions workers to community wellness workers. We added mental health workers and some clinical supervisors, the whole intent being to link them into the system of integrated service delivery to allow them to work with social workers, nurses and other folks, as well as to recognize the value of the work that they're doing and important work as first contact people. That is the direction we've been going. We've spent considerable time and effort to put a greater value and recognition on the work that alcohol and drug workers used to formerly do. Thank you.
Michael Miltenberger on Question 266-15(4): Specialized Resources For Communities
In the Legislative Assembly on October 25th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 266-15(4): Specialized Resources For Communities
Question 266-15(4): Specialized Resources For Communities
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions
October 25th, 2005
Page 537
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