Mr. Speaker, few social issues are more visible in a community than those that stem from addictions.
Not one community in the entire Northwest Territories can claim to be free from the health and social problems caused by addictive behaviours.
That is why prevention and enhancing established treatment facilities in the NWT are priorities of the 17th Assembly.
Homelessness, poverty, violence and chronic disease all become part of the cycle of addictions that destroy lives and communities.
Our government spends over $9 million annually on counselling and treatment. The department continues to enhance existing programs to provide treatment and solutions to addictions. Unfortunately, many residents still suffer and are unable to break free from alcohol and drugs. Mr. Speaker, it is time for a different approach. We need to encourage more personal responsibility and provide more support to those who make the choice to remain clean and sober.
We want our people to stop suffering and to have access to treatment that works, so that they can become productive members of society and proud residents of the NWT.
That is why we have taken a stand and established the Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness. Mr. Paul Andrew chairs the forum and its 11 members come from across the NWT. Members break into teams to hear from the residents who have firsthand knowledge about the damage addictions can cause. We want people to share their ideas about solutions that will work in their communities.
The forum has already visited Fort McPherson, Hay River, Enterprise, Fort Resolution, Hay River Reserve, Lutselk’e, Fort Smith, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells and Deline to seek out answers to addictions issues.
Common themes so far are the need for parenting skills, cultural activities for youth, and on-the-land activities for families. We realize that we have to adapt these ideas for each community, as there is no single solution.
This is an important first step in implementing our Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, A Shared Path Towards Wellness.
We will hold discussions in every region of the Territories. The focus will be on what works for our people and our communities. We will talk to people who are sober, people who are struggling with
addictions, and family members who experience firsthand what living with addictions is like.
Communities have developed effective practices and responses to addictions and mental health issues that need to be supported. I want to know what makes people stop drinking and want to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
The forum will make recommendations on the direction of community-based addiction programs by May 1st . The final report will provide advice
about how to enhance our territory’s community-based addictions programs. I look forward to reporting its results to this Assembly. Thank you.