Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister stated that there's an effort that the department is undertaking, primarily that he's working on the developing of an action plan. Can the Minister highlight his immediate priority and seeing the success of the action plan and addressing alcohol issues in the NWT? Mahsi.

The Minister did state that there are ongoing initiatives in terms of working with Indigenous governments, and I'd like to commend the Minister for taking those steps to working with all of our communities in terms of placing, in all far reaches of the NWT, on-the-land programs and initiatives. My question is, understanding that the on-the-land programs, what was called for from previous assessments is that people wanted options, and that's one option, whether and how traditional beliefs of Dene are reflected on on-the-land programs? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, in my language, I spoke about how last week on February 21, 2018 marked eight years of sobriety for me, so I wanted to take the moment --

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One observation that I have is, back in the day, we had in every community alcohol and drug workers as they call them. My understanding, their approach was in addressing the root of the alcohol issues. They treated the whole issue of alcohol as a disease. Now, we have mental health workers who more likely take almost an approach that every person that deals with alcohol has some trauma in their background. Besides that, how has the philosophy of treating alcoholism changed over the years with the department?

Thank you, colleagues. I wanted to take the moment just to extend my appreciation and gratitude for the many professionals that have come across my path who weren't judgmental and were basically just professional and compassionate in believing in the service that they provide to the public. My heart is wholeheartedly felt to those people that go beyond the call of duty and provide a service to society in general. Mahsi to all of them.

My questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services in terms of taking a step of sobering up. What kind of health does the department provide in terms...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, February 21, 2018 [translation] it will be eight years since my last drink. A year after my late father passed on, I decided that I wanted to sober up and not drink anymore.

Alcohol has been around since the early ages. Alcohol is accepted as a way for people to socialize. Alcohol abuse heavily affects our NWT communities, especially First Nations identity, families, and children. High crime rates such as spousal assaults, family violence, and tragedies such as murders and fatal accidents can be attributed to the misuse of alcohol.

Since alcohol became a part of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for his enthusiasm. It's great to know. I think the key question is, you know, if he's committed, there's an interest. The key question is: when can the work on this facility begin? Mahsi.

I do not think I will be able to top off my colleague from Nahendeh's accomplishments with the previous Minister, but I will try. As the Minister might be aware, I know we did have a position before called economic development officer position, but that position was pulled. I would like a commitment to work on this roadside attraction. I think the Minister is onto something good. Will the Minister's department get started on a roadside park? That would be a popular attraction on the south shore of the river. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Tourism is a growing sector of our economy. In Fort Providence, we see a lot of traffic on Highway No. 3, and I know there is great potential to increase the tourists' experience in our area.

People used to stop on the shore of the mighty Deh Cho to wait for the ferry not far from the tiny blue sign that identifies the waterway as the Mackenzie River. Today, tourists on the highway cruise right past the sign and over the Deh Cho bridge, perhaps unaware of the significance of our greatest river. If they blink, they might miss it. The sign, I mean.

The Deh Cho is not only our...

It has to be acknowledged that tourism is a growing industry, and we are trying to take advantage. That is the main point. I expect the organizations in Fort Providence, museum staff in Yellowknife, and Dene Metis organizations would have good suggestions for material to be included in the roadside exhibit about the Deh Cho. I have heard the suggestion of perhaps advising an interpretive centre. Will the department consult these parties to plan the exhibit?