Floyd Roland

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fact is the way we’ve changed the service and it’s provided for now has worked. We managed to get into the communities when called upon. Yes, there are a number of communities, not only in the Sahtu but other regions in the territory, where a flight has to go out of one of the two centres. The way the RFP has been structured, we would have one plane situated up in Inuvik that would be dedicated to the service, as well as out of Yellowknife that would reach the other communities. So a lot of communities would have to wait for a flight to be dispatched...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the process we have used in trying to strengthen our mental health and addictions programs across the Territories is one we have worked in partnership with NGOs, ourselves, and health and social services authorities. I am not sure if this contract, the impact it would have on us. Of course, every link in the system will help strengthen our own position. So I would have to ask the department if there is going to be any spin-off to this. Of course, this program we work under is available to every resident of the Northwest Territories. As I stated, we...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would have to get more detail as to what communities are eligible, but I understand that, as we reviewed this work in this area through the reports that were made available, Hay River was one of those communities considered to be delivered by the municipality. I will get further information and provide that to the Member. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the funding the Member has spoken about is part of our process of new initiatives and is in the system. Until we actually have final reading on our supp document, no money will flow. The understanding of that program is no communities have been selected as of yet, as I am aware of. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Bill 8, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2007-2008, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, we have worked with the Department of Justice the potential impacts of these amendments, and our calculation, looking at the existing caseloads that we have out there right now, is about 120 to 130 additional cases at the existing level. We've worked with the Department of Justice; they're aware of that and feel that we are able to handle that and they would, as well, be looking forward into our business planning process if there is a concern in that area. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With me at the table I have to my immediate right, Mr. Chuck Parker, deputy minister, Department of Health and Social Services; further to my right is Mr. Dean Soenan, director of child and family services; and to my left is Patricia Gall, legislative counsel. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to introduce Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act. The current act allows the Department of Health and Social Services to apprehend children under the age of 16 in specific circumstances where the safety of a child may be jeopardized, including the denial of proper medical attention. The proposed amendments to the act are required to meet constitutional obligations ensuring the rights of parents are protected and consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These amendments will ensure parents receive a fair and prompt...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has not raised this issue with me in this area. We will continue to work on the program we have established in partnership with the NGOs and health and social services authority. This specific area hasn’t been brought to my attention. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have a specific caseload that all of our workers have in the communities across the Northwest Territories at this point, but, from the department’s perspective, we have invested quite a substantial amount of money over the last few years in trying to strengthen this area of mental health and addictions. For example, in 2007, as I had stated yesterday in a number of questions, 77 positions were added and funding of about $6.6 million through health and social services authorities to strengthen this area. That went towards community wellness...