This is a very exciting initiative. Child and youth care counsellors will be an important part of the overall continuum of mental wellness services for children, youth, as well as families. They will work in the schools and the broader community and will work in an integrated fashion with other community-based professionals to ensure person- and family-centred services are delivered as close to home as possible.
This is an incredibly important resource that is required in all regions, and it needs to be implemented thoughtfully and with input from all involved stakeholders. We are working with the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and of Health and Social Services, and gathering the data and utilizing the information indicators that we have to put forward a plan to roll out these positions over the coming years. I look forward to discussing that research, that analysis, with committee during business planning, where we will be able to lay out the plan moving forward.