Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is no denying there is a substance abuse problem in the NWT. Northerners drink more and drink more often than southern Canadians. The 2004 addiction survey found that 36 percent of northerners over the age of 15 drank heavily at least once a month. More recently, crack cocaine and crystal meth are addictive substances turning up in northern communities. Substance abuse causes upheaval in the lives of our residents, from children to seniors.

My main purpose of speaking today is to highlight the various options available to NWT residents for assistance with addictions. The work we do with families and communities is essential to stop the cycle of addictions and underlying mental health issues.

The Department of Health and Social services continues to invest in programs and services that offer those experiencing mental health or addictions problems the most appropriate care.

Through the client-focussed approach of the integrated service delivery model, northerners have access to primary community care teams who can empower them to address their addictions or mental health issues. There is also a range of high quality addictions programs, many of which are available at the community level. For other more specialized services, people have access to territorial programs.

The department is working to promote healthy lifestyles. We are developing a plan to launch a territorial addictions awareness campaign that aims to reduce and stop our youth from using alcohol and drugs. Prevention services offered at the community level include:

• • the "Friends for Life Resiliency" training program, where community group leaders are trained to counsel children on ways to prevent the anxiety and depression that may eventually lead youth to use alcohol and drugs;
• • the "Suicide Prevention" training program, where communities train their own residents in suicide prevention; and
• • community wellness workers who provide education, prevention, basic counselling, referral and aftercare services to local residents.

The foundation of the NWT Mental Health and Addictions Strategy are the resources being developed in communities across the NWT. In terms of community counselling, I would like to highlight the following improvements:

• • qualified mental health and addictions counsellors, who provide healing and counselling services at the community and regional level, are supported by clinical supervisors who ensure quality care;
• • programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Crack Busters provide peer support in communities across the NWT;
• • non-government organizations such as Inuvik Family Services and the Tl'oondih Healing Society in Fort McPherson, provide community counselling;
• • Tree of Peace in Yellowknife offers a comprehensive day program for those recovering from addictions;
• • on-the-land prevention and healing programs are being developed by communities and health and social services authorities; and
• • the NWT Helpline is answered by trained volunteers 365 days a year to help those in distress or direct them to find the right resources.

For those already dealing with addictions, often the first step toward recovery is through detoxification. Medical detoxification beds at Stanton Territorial Hospital and the Social Withdrawal Management Program at the Salvation Army are important services provided in the NWT for NWT residents on a referral basis.

A critical service for many people dealing with addictions is residential treatment. Each year over 150 NWT clients are referred to the Nats'ejee K'eh Treatment facility. So far this year, an additional 39 clients have been referred to southern facilities for more specialized treatment.

I must also stress the importance of ensuring clients returning home after treatment have access to support services within their communities to help them in their recovery phase. Mental health and addictions counsellors and community wellness workers support clients and their families once they graduate from a treatment program. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon also play an important role in the aftercare of our residents.

Mr. Speaker, addictions affect many of us and this government continues to place a priority on offering programs and services to prevent, treat and follow up with people suffering from addictions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause