Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on October 19, 2009, regarding on-the-land alcohol and drug treatment programs.

1. Can the Minister outline a referral process for

clients that want to attend alcohol and drug treatment programs on the land?

The general referral process for treatment begins with the individual seeking help with addiction issues. They can approach a community wellness worker, a mental health and addictions counsellor, a social worker, probation officer, the nurse or a physician, who can work with the client to determine which available programs meet the client’s needs. Existing services available within the community are considered as part of this assessment.

Treatment options can include: community-based counseling, education programs, referrals to community support groups, referrals to residential treatment centres, or detoxification. Treatment planning is specific to the client’s needs. Therefore, the readiness and willingness to participate in the treatment process. Once it is determined that a

referral for treatment is appropriate, the referral source then completes an application for treatment.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is committed to offering quality mental health and addictions services to all residents of the Northwest Territories. Programming based on cultural practices and values are vital to the ability to meet wellness goals.

2. Can the Minister outline the steps that are

required to establish an on-the-land program for alcohol and drug treatment programs in the Sahtu region?

Currently, community-based initiatives are supported by the DHSS by partnering with community groups to meet unique community and regional needs. Regional authorities, such as Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority, in the past have provided funding for on-the-land healing programs in Sahtu communities. The authorities will continue to consider proposals from communities and assess them on a case-by-case basis.

As well, it is expected that the review of the mental health and addictions programs currently underway will provide options in this regard.

3. Will the Minister provide the amount of funding

that the federal government allocates to aboriginal alcohol and drug treatment programs in the NWT?

Annually, the DHSS receives $375,000 in National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program funding. Approximately $280,000 of this amount is allocated to southern addictions treatment options for aboriginal clients. The remainder is used for addictions-focused programming in the communities and regions. These specific projects vary each year and are based on proposals which are received from interested organizations.