Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, my colleague asked questions about what we are doing to support diversity and specifically LGBTQ issues within our classrooms. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. I am wondering what resources the government has committed to LGBTQ communities outside of the classroom in our general communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. When does the department anticipate that they’ll have some results to share with the public and Members of this House or a complete… Or, if we’re not ready for results, then perhaps that final piece, the evaluation framework?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on July 20, 2005, marriage equality, a fundamental right guaranteed to all, was embraced in this country when the Government of Canada ended the unfair restrictions and allowed straight and LGBTQ Canadians to choose who they love and to have their love recognized legally. Today, the NWT is home to a vibrant LGBTQ community who serve as tireless advocates of their community and who contribute greatly to our distinct society.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to be living in an age where Northerners have the freedom to love who they want and openly celebrate their...

Same question, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Does the department provide funding or operate a crisis intervention hotline with frontline staff who are prepared to assist people experiencing a mental health crisis? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the Minister for his answer. Is suicide prevention encompassed in this line item, this community mental health and addictions, are suicide prevention programs? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Nothing further, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to follow-up with some questions about the Metis health benefits. I think my colleague covered the funding aspects and the legal requirement to move on it quite well. I’ve heard there’s a concern from some people that the quality of prospective benefits that the federal government’s now obliged to offer won’t be of the same quality that we currently provide. I guess my question is, will we be using any incoming funding to… Will we lapse our program and just take the new federal program or will we find some way to maintain the benefits? Can we give people...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that committee report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister for his answer. I appreciate his efforts on this. I think as the Minister responsible for Youth, we do need to do a great deal of youth outreach, moving forward, in the territory to combat some of these very high statistics we have in the North for violence, addictions, and also to make vulnerable communities feel safe. Could the Minister commit to spending some of his time as Minister responsible for Youth to address this with a strategy or an action plan or some form of tangible measure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.