Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week, my AOC colleagues and I spoke to the need for treatment centres in the NWT that can provide proper aftercare services for clients. The Minister of Health and Social Services kept making reference to the Chalmers Report and their recommendation that no new facilities be built. Our quest on this side of the House is to provide an option for those to seek treatment and would be more comfortable closer to their region.
Mr. Speaker, how can the Minister put so much merit in a report that even states that caution is needed when reviewing the report? Interviewed people for the report included the Minister of Health and Social Services, the staff of the district authority, authority chairs, and it says, some frontline workers and NGOs. Are these not the people that would be able to provide the best insight as to the needs of those most affected? No mention was made of interviews with addicts or recovering addicts to see what they think would be required.
Mr. Speaker, it even states in the interim report that aboriginal and community content and views were extremely limited. My concern is how can the department put so much merit in a report that admits to its limitations? The fact that it mentions no new treatment centres may be just what the department wanted to hear. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you.
---Applause