Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, as a result of the mental health and addictions forum, we heard clearly that residents of the Northwest Territories want options and that facility-based treatment is just one option. There are a number of options available to residents that may help support them in their process, which may include preparing them for addictions treatment facilities, but it may not. They may be able to get resolution and the support they need without ever going to an addictions treatment facility. Some of the supports that we do have are: community counselling programs available in all regions of the Northwest Territories, in most communities; we have NWT help lines; we have on-the-land programs that are available through Indigenous governments throughout the Northwest Territories; there are a large number of NGOs providing really great services to our residents; there are 12-step programs available through peer support organizations throughout the Northwest Territories, supported by Alberta.

There are informal supports that our counsellors are always encouraging our residents to utilize as a program. That can include things like family and friends, community networks, and other activities. There is connection with, obviously, our primary healthcare providers. That includes doctors as well as community health nurses, nurses throughout our system. Then there are also social services that are available, as well. So, there are a wide variety of supports available to help people select their path, which may include addictions-based treatment in facilities.