Mr. Speaker, this year marks a decade since the annual Moosehide Campaign began efforts to end family violence through education, support, and healing. This week, I introduced you to Avery, a real NWT resident with a fictional name, whose story includes family violence. The NWT has the second highest rates of family violence in Canada, and the Department of Justice funds the men's New Day program to help men learn new coping mechanisms to improve their relationships with their partners and families. It is the NWT's only support service focused on men who use violence in intimate relationships.
Once run by the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre as an open drop-in support service, the New Day program was moved to the John Howard Society in 2017 following a $40,000 report commissioned by Justice on the state of the program. The report recommended that the program needed to be more fluid, more than just a curriculum, and that community outreach should be considered as part of any future program plans.
Mr. Speaker, I have three significant concerns. Program participation dropped significantly after its move to the John Howard Society; the dwindling New Day program remains this government's flagship support for men; and support programs cannot continue to solely exist in Yellowknife. Like many Members in previous Assemblies, I am concerned about the future of this program. John Howard's four-year contract with the New Day program ends next month, and there is uncertainty about its future.
In Avery's case, the family called the John Howard Society. They were told they needed to book an appointment, but before that, the participant had to be screened by a counsellor to be admitted to see a wellness counsellor. Men face stigma about seeking help, Mr. Speaker. Pre-screening seems to be an unnecessary barrier to those seeking help. If the family has gotten so far that they have convinced a father, husband, or son to get help, that should be all that is required for program admission.
Family violence is not isolated in Yellowknife. It is found in every community, in every income bracket, and sometimes behind curtains you least expect. I look forward to learning about the future plans for this program from the Minister of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.