Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, considering that these are medical social worker positions, will they be considered, I guess, more of an outreach service allowing for the workers to actually meet clients outside of a hospital setting. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these questions are for the Minister of Health. I'd like to ask the Minister who funded the two medical worker positions. Was it new funding through this government, or was it reprofiled from within existing Hay River Health and Social Services budget. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I appreciate that answer. You know, I understand that there are staff there. I understand they all have qualifications. But at the end of the day when somebody goes in there, they don't only need medical treatment; they also need, you know, support from counsellors as well. And because what I find is that it's difficult sometimes for a person to actually stay there. They're looking for ways to leave the facility. And I know we can't stop them, but I think if we have people there to provide that support, they may stay. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I talked about detox beds and the importance of them in all communities, not only Hay River. You know, just before we came into the building here, I had a call from somebody who was, you know, asking me if I could take them to the health centre in Hay River because they wanted to detox. But whenever I you know, I've done it in the past, and whenever I do it, it's usually, you know, we don't have a bed, or they don't have they don't seem to have the qualified staff there. So we need a mechanism, I guess, whether it's through legislation or something to...

Mr. Speaker, Hay River has, and continues to have, its fair share of substance abuse issues which has been driven home by the number of drugrelated deaths in the last year.

Mr. Speaker, for those who are no longer with us, we grieve; for those who find themselves fighting a losing battle, we hear their cry for help. But are we as government listening? That cry is becoming louder, and it is not more studies they are asking for, it is not more reports they are asking for, and it is not more discussions they are asking for. What is being asked for is a safe place to detox with proper assessment...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, Madam Speaker, we talk about NGOs and all the good work that they do throughout the years year after year. So, Madam Speaker, as with most NGOs year to year funding is an issue when what is needed is multiyear funding that allows for stability.

Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to establishing multiyear funding through the NGO Stabilization Fund for organizations such as the Hay River Ski Club? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. These questions are for the Minister of MACA. Madam Speaker, this government has to empower youth. To do that, we need to hear their voices; we need their support; and we need their guidance to determine their needs and wants. Madam Speaker, we talk about engaging youth. Will the Minister responsible for MACA commit to a departmental increase in funding for all sports, recreation, and youth programs that will specifically target those youth that are identified as being at risk? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, will the Minister confirm if his department is aware of all the excellent work the Kole Crook Fiddle Association provides to youth throughout the NWT, which includes

Fiddling music lessons for children and youth of all ages;

Having young advanced fiddlers teach the beginners;

Lending and gifting instruments to those that may not be able to afford them;

Conducting work shops in communities throughout the NWT; and,

Providing students an opportunity to participate in music and music festival and events.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, can the Minister responsible for MACA confirm if his department has or is considering funding the Kole Crook Fiddle Association proposal to host a fiddle jamboree in his home community coming this January in Fort Simpson? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, it's good to hear that because, you know, here in the last few weeks, you know, we've been talking about youth and all the things that we should do for youth, and so it's time for us to, you know, walk the talk and step up to the plate and that's providing them the services that they require.

So the other issue another issue here is and I've talked to youth in and parents also in Hay River, about access to facilities. And I'm finding that some of the Indigenous children, and maybe some that are at risk, don't feel like they're being served. So, Madam...