Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. As a government, we know that the rates of

substance abuse are far too high amongst our residents and we need to take action. Substance abuse contributes to crime rates and is a cost-driver in the health care system. It also takes a terrible toll on our communities and our families.

In my travels through the communities over the past few months, I have heard repeatedly that we need to find more efficient ways to help our people with addictions. There is no one approach that works for everyone. We need to develop and offer a range of options within our system to help people deal with their addictions.

Aftercare in the community is important support for people returning from residential treatment programs. We also need to look at other creative approaches. For example, some communities have successfully piloted day treatment programs as an alternative to residential treatment. The department currently offers a variety of services for people who are struggling with addictions. We offer a 28-day gender specific residential treatment at Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre located on the Hay River Reserve. This treatment centre is open to all residents over the age of 18 from the Northwest Territories.

In addition, the department offers community counselling programs to all the regions in the NWT. Community counselling programs provide counselling and support to all age groups and help all age groups with mental health addictions and family violence. The department works with the authorities, Aboriginal governments and communities to try to find approaches to treatment that are culturally appropriate and work at a local level. For example, the Deh Cho Health and Social Services is currently working with funding from Health Canada to pilot youth addictions treatment programs and this will fill a major gap in our system. The department has funded the Gwich’in Tribal Council to pilot an aftercare program for people returning from residential treatment. The department has made $25,000 available this year to all communities who want to sponsor on-the-land programs.

Before Christmas Minister Lafferty and I met with the Tlicho Services Agency. They told us in no uncertain terms that their priority to develop a substance abuse treatment program is grounded in Tlicho values, beliefs, language and culture. We need to find ways to respond.

As this motion gives direction to the government, the Cabinet will be abstaining from the vote. Thank you.