Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, located in Yellowknife, has been serving Northerners with community and wellness programs that include educational, economic, recreational, and cultural activities for over 50 years. At the heart of their work is a deep respect for Indigenous peoples' cultural distinctiveness and the trauma created by the legacy of the residential schools. This positions the centre to be even more effective in the work they do than perhaps programs offered by the GNWT that may evoke feelings of colonialism and institutionalized racism.
In 2004, the Company of Young Canadians, the economic wing of the Tree of Peace, finalized construction of the 15,000-square-foot building complex on 51st Street. The CYC owns the building, renting space to the centre for its programming. Construction of the complex was completed solely through fundraising efforts of the organization itself, without any funding from government; an amazing feat. However, the Tree of Peace does rely on government funding for its programs, and in my opinion, it is time to step up that funding to ensure that the centre and others like it can continue to be effective.
Community wellness and youth workers at the Tree of Peace have not seen a salary increase for several years. With an increasing population utilizing the programs provided by the centre as well as inflation and rises in the cost of living, personnel often go without raises so programming isn't cut, and like all teachers everywhere, educators are often purchasing supplies for their classrooms out of pocket. For example, the Alcohol Educator Program, which provides the ongoing after-care support needed post-treatment, has been at the same rate of pay and program funding for years. Given the growing addictions issues in the North and the push for rehabilitation services, this funding needs to be reassessed as, currently, the program is constantly being monitored to not go over-budget, potentially leading to diminished services. In order to maintain growth and the economic self-reliance of the program, its funding needs to be increased.
Currently, the Upgrading Education Program at the Tree of Peace is exclusive to adults. With appropriate funding and a needs assessment, this service could be expanded to youths, as well. By working together with educators at the Tree of Peace, we can continue to expand on the educational needs and supports required to increase educational levels for residents in a culturally sensitive manner. The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre continues to play an active and inclusive role in our communities toward empowering youth, elders, and those in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
