Bob Bromley

I’d ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the witness from the Chamber. Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Possibly the largest source of pain, sorrow, and escalating associated social ills in the NWT is due to our substance abuse, and particularly with alcohol in the Northwest Territories. Wherever we travel and consult, especially in the Child and Family Services Act review, for example, we hear about these sorts of problems and the need for new and improved programs on alcohol abuse.

Justice Vertes I believe recently commented on this and the need to address this and what it’s costing our people and our systems. I do have a real focus on prevention, and that’s still my...

Thank you, committee, and before we go to the detail, clause by clause, I’d like to first consider the schedule to the bill. Does committee agree?

Clause 1.

---Clauses 1 through 22 inclusive approved

Bill 6 as a whole.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister seems adept at pointing out the small communities and the service problems that they have there, things that Members on this side of the House regularly talk about. I’m getting kind of tired of that response when we’re talking about specific issues here. I’m wondering what will the Minister do in terms of getting this back in service immediately, and does he see this as a temporary cancellation extending for years and years. What is the end point, the actual implementation of recommendations as a result of the analysis? Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. I’d like to ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Minister Miltenberger, if you could please introduce your witness.

Hearing none, does committee agree we go into detail?

Going to pages 3 through 5, schedule of debts forgiven, total $1,375,491.32.

Following up on my colleague’s question, the first step of the analysis will undoubtedly be assembly of the terms of reference for the review. We want to get off on the right foot, so let’s ensure that any review incorporates the concerns, insights and experience of the clients and stakeholders, that’s past and present clients of the program, the NWT and Nunavut Public Health Association who are on record in support, and even the Dene Cultural Institute to flesh out revival of this traditional practice. Will the Minister commit to including stakeholder groups in the development of the terms of...