Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Tony Whitford is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly November 2003, as MLA for Kam Lake

Won his last election, in 1999, with 80% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Question O107-12(1): Establishment Of A Special Committee On Social Services December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Categorically no.

Return Question O90-12(1): Assistance To Victims Of Violence And Abuse December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The request from the society in Inuvik is, as I understand it, before the department. I have not had an opportunity to get an answer on it. I was informed only recently of the request. I assured the Member earlier when I discussed it with him that I would endeavour to get an answer. I would like to take this question as notice so that I can get a proper answer to the Member just as soon as possible.

Return Question O90-12(1): Assistance To Victims Of Violence And Abuse December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In response to the Member's question, I take violence and programs that try to assist in resolving that, or assisting

people to deal with that, as very serious. I have not set priorities on the numbers of issues that come before me in both the portfolios that I have, but I take the issue of violence very seriously, and I want to assure the Member that if there is a concern that I am not doing so, then you must bring it to my attention. But, yes, I do take that seriously. I have not prioritized it in relation to the other programs that we are dealing with at this point, but it is high on my list.

Question O88-12(1): Free Condoms From Department Of Health December 12th, 1991

I am not certain. I think that a lot of the services that this government provides to the public are free. Health-- if it necessary, it is given to those that need it. I am not certain exactly which area he is referring to. But if he is getting back to the candy dish again, I buy that out of my own pocket; it is not being provided by this government. It is being provided out of my own pocket.

As far as the condoms are concerned, I have no idea who paid for those. Maybe the former Minister provided those. I think there are a lot of services that this government provides to the public that are free; if that is a necessity, we will continue that until further notice.

Question O88-12(1): Free Condoms From Department Of Health December 12th, 1991

Mr. Speaker, this must be Friday. If I recall, when I was across the way, we had to try to keep things light on Friday, but I think that I will continue the practice of having a candy dish in my office. Any Member of the public that visits my office, or any Member of the cabinet that visits my office, is quite welcome to continue to help themselves, if they so choose. I am not forcing this on anybody. It is available. They are adults and they can make that decision. The answer to that is yes.

Question O88-12(1): Free Condoms From Department Of Health December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not at the present time, Mr. Speaker. The supply is low.

Question O87-12(1): Extension Of Abstinence Policy To Social Workers December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are only two groups that are disagreeing with the present policy, and I think the problem warrants the position that this government is taking.

Question O87-12(1): Extension Of Abstinence Policy To Social Workers December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I said no.

Question O87-12(1): Extension Of Abstinence Policy To Social Workers December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This only involves the alcohol and drug counselling service at a community level.

Ministers' Statement 18-12(1): Alcohol And Drug Counsellors December 12th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, alcohol, drug and substance abuse are among the most serious problems we face here in the Northwest Territories. All of us know, and many of us have witnessed, the devastating effects of these substances, the way in which their abuse affects individuals, families and entire communities. Indeed, I share the view of many people that alcohol, drug and substance abuse is one of the most serious social, economic and spiritual problems that we face.

The Board of Management for Alcohol and Drug Services, appointed in 1988 from individuals nominated by the Legislative Assembly and various regional and aboriginal organizations, understood that problem better than most of us. It also recognized the need for alcohol and drug service personnel and counsellors in the Northwest Territories to be examples for the people that they are treating. Because of this, the board recommended to the former Minister of Social Services that alcohol and drug service personnel and counsellors in the NWT, including board members, should totally abstain from the use of alcohol and drugs. It noted that leadership is critically important for resolving issues and that role modelling is one of the most effective agents for social change.

The former Minister took the advice seriously and last summer placed a clause in our contribution agreements with community alcohol and drug societies that requires their workers to follow total abstinence in order for the societies to receive financial assistance from the government.

I agree with the former Minister's actions. That is why our government will maintain its position that total abstinence must be practised by alcohol and drug counsellors in the Northwest Territories. It is absolutely essential for them to demonstrate leadership qualities and to act as role models for the clients which they are counselling.

However, I recognize that we do have problems, and those problems include the enforcement of the provision that deals with abstinence and the fact that societies in Iqaluit and Pangnirtung -- two of the 42 societies in the NWT -- refuse to accept the abstinence provision.

As a result, we will be developing a process, in consultation with community societies and the Board of Management for Alcohol and Drug Services that is clear, that is reasonable, and that is practical for them to use. We will ensure that enough money is provided to the societies in Iqaluit and Pangnirtung to continue their services until February 1, 1992, by which time we expect them to have adopted the abstinence provision.

If they do not adopt it, there will be no more funding until the communities involved establish new societies that will accept this important condition. It is my intention to ensure that abstinence is endorsed by all of our community agencies as unanimously as it was endorsed by the board of management. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause