Alfred Moses

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member’s statement with regard to the Mental Health Act, my questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. The interpretation of a psychiatrist under this act means a medical practitioner who holds a specialist certificate in psychiatry issued by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or an equivalent qualification acceptable by the Minister. I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services how many psychiatrists under this interpretation we have in the Northwest Territories.

Thank you. In light of some of the recent studies in regard to the skilled workforce and some industry not meeting the standards for not having a skilled workforce that are outlined in the socio-economic agreements, would the Minister, through the management and program support, look at seeking more funding to address this concern so that we get more of the skilled workforce for residents of the Northwest Territories to get trained so that they can actually enter into some of these jobs in the industry, but also be meeting some of the standards that we set out in these socio-economic...

Just for clarification, this contribution here is open for all organizations that provide healthy children initiatives in the communities, so I’m assuming with it capped at $2.1 million it’s pretty well on a first-come, first-served basis.

Just continuing on this page, in terms of the Aboriginal Languages Strategy, I want to say good job earlier on your Member’s statement. Very well done. I’d just like to ask the Minister where we are in revitalizing the Aboriginal languages in the Northwest Territories, as well as an update of the iTunes project application and how that’s working out. Just two updates: one on where we are on the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Strategy and if there’s anything that has been put into action today, and then also maybe an update on how successful the iTunes application project that he initiated...

Mr. Devitt did speak on a few items that were taken into consideration when you come out to how we fund our education authorities. When he mentioned something like it varies on the size of the school and we get schools that are the same size in Paulatuk as you do get into maybe Kakisa or something, I’m thinking if that is put into the factor then they’re both going to get the same type of education when we know that we have longer winter months up in Paulatuk that might be more O and M class to run the school. Some things need to be taken into consideration.

Maybe if I can ask the Minister and...

So just for clarity, the Minister and staff today wouldn’t know what positions are going to be lost under this formula.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. New written questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services:

Under Section 17 of the Mental Health Act, from fiscal year 2009-2010 to the present, how many times has the Minister approved an extension of time for involuntary patient period of detection applications?

Under Section 18 of the Mental Health Act, from fiscal year 2009-2010 to the present, how many certificates of involuntary admission have been completed in NWT hospitals and health centres?

Under Section 18.1(1), from fiscal year 2009-2010 to the present, how many patients have had to be transferred...

Just a final comment, but when I was reviewing the Budget Dialogue 2012, Living Within Our Means, there was a lot of suggestions there in terms of personal responsibility, and I think Productive Choices could take that first step in helping our residents of the Northwest Territories learn, give them life skills, give them the information that can start helping them make those productive choices and start taking on some of that personal responsibility to become part of society and help in that way, rather than just having some residents depend on government. As it was stated in the budget...

It’s good to hear that they do have the services at our corrections facilities. My next question is, in terms of Justice, do peace officers in the Northwest Territories have a good understanding and education of the Mental Health Act, and also understand what their duties are, and under the Mental Health Act and legislation what they’re entitled to do should they encounter somebody with a mental health disorder? Is there a program that ensures they are educated on the Mental Health Act when they do come to the Northwest Territories?

Can the Minister just maybe confirm or give us input on whether or not Income Support has the Income Support dollars and if applications have gone up over the last 10 years?