Mr. Speaker, my statement today is about the pressing need for treatment centres in the NWT. In October of 2004, Regular Members passed a motion on the need to establish treatment centres to address the devastating effects of drugs and alcohol in the NWT.
The motion spoke of the need to establish a centre in the NWT dedicated to treating addictions to drugs other than alcohol, treatment centres specifically for youth, and asked the government to reopen residential treatment centres in Yellowknife and Inuvik.
Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly a year-and-a-half since that motion was passed. I do not see any significant action by this government. The Department of Health and
Social Services has finally released the much awaited interim report of the mental health and addiction services in the NWT, better known as the Chalmers Report. The title of this report is Stay the Course. Those are not reassuring words, Mr. Speaker, for those who feel that this government is off course in handling addictions treatment.
Mr. Speaker, residential treatment programs in Inuvik were discontinued in 1997 and in Yellowknife in 1999. Both Yellowknife and Inuvik are major entry points for drugs and the activities that flow with them. What I had hoped to see in this Chalmers Report was an indication that this decision would be reconsidered and that there would be support to reopen these treatment centres, as I have said before. Reopening does not mean building new infrastructure, Mr. Speaker. It means using the existing resources we have established in those buildings. It just requires political resolve.
In reviewing the Chalmers Report, I was dismayed at the suggestion that, yet, more study was needed with respect to residential treatment options in the NWT. When will this government wake up and listen to what the people of the North are asking for? Residential treatment centres in the North. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, it seems that, yet again, this government doesn't get it. The people have spoken; however, the status quo is defended and defined by yet another report. It seems to me that this government spends more time responding and defending consultant reports than hearing the views of people who sent us here in office.
It doesn't seem to be right, Mr. Speaker. It truly seems out of touch. This battle, as I see it, requires a versatile approach and cooperation between all branches between the government and the community. This is a disease we can work on together to solve.
One of the most important elements this government can do is to ensure that these proper facilities exist for proper assistance. Mr. Speaker, at this time, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement? Thank you.