Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on February 14th, my introduction for my Member's statement on crystal meth was "let's get prepared," meaning that this government must look at increasing funding and awareness to shelters and addiction services.
There is something I did not ask the government for then, Mr. Speaker. That is for this government to have a heart. Studies have shown that youth or women who need safe shelters need them during odd hours, oftentimes in the middle of the night when a spouse is physically abusive, and there is a 75 percent chance, as well, that the children are also being abused. Judging from our poor track record, this government has a long way to go.
Women and youth are staying in abusive relationships because there is no housing or critical services available. In other words, they have nowhere else to go. When youth or women have the courage to leave a violent or abusive relationship, they must have a place to go where they can be safe to be provided the necessities such as food, shelter and professional assistance as medical treatment or counselling. Currently, this is not possible in many regions and communities.
My next introduction is, in every community this government cannot continue to approach communities' problems in a centralized way. Accessibility is becoming a luxury with more and more programs. Post-traumatic stress disorder is experienced, as well, Mr. Speaker. This occurs as a result of violence over time. This disorder often leads to substance abuse. As previously expressed, looking at the lack of homeless shelters, safe houses, counsellors, adequate detox facilities, especially in the regions and with the current level of addictions, there is a clear indication much more is needed. Study after study, meeting after meeting have shown that, as our economy gets better, such as the spin-offs from potential pipeline and mining projects, so too will our hard drug addictions.
We are losing our youth and other residents because they don't feel safe in our communities. This growing
centralization trend must be addressed by this government for shelters and adequate addiction services and facilities in every community. Once again, Mr. Speaker, this government must have a heart.
---Applause