Robert Bouchard

As the Minister indicated, this is a strong issue, but I think we need to improve. I think we need to set that standard of what we have to a minimum amount. I think where it’s needed we need to put the financial backing towards it.

My question is: Would the Minister approve overtime or additional counselling to get areas like Hay River that are three to four months away when we have some regions that only have two weeks or sometimes there isn’t a wait list? Is there a way that we can deal with this immediate situation of the three to four month wait lists?

Thank you, Minister. I’ll just remind committee we’re on 197. If you have some detail to go to the next page, we need to get there. Go ahead, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Minister Abernethy.

I will rise and report progress. Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Thank you, deputy minister and director. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out of the Chamber.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will follow up from my Member’s statement with questions on mental health from our mental health theme day. I will take up the challenge on the Mental Health First Aid the Minister alluded to and I’d like to find out more information on when that would happen.

The first question I have is: Does the Minister have the wait times to see a mental health and addictions counsellor in the Hay River area? Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Next on my list I have Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Next on my list I have Mr. Dolynny. Sorry, Ms. Bisaro.

Page 203, community social programs, operations expenditure summary, $28.199 million. Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Deputy Minister DeLancey. Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Minister. Next on my list I have Mr. Blake.