Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In setting the priorities for this new government, we have placed an emphasis on education and prevention, and on mental health and addictions. I am pleased to report that we are already moving forward with a new campaign in this area.
This morning we launched the My Voice, My Choice campaign to help young people and those who support them to speak up about addictions in the Northwest Territories. We all know addictions are a destructive force in our territory that reaches beyond the individuals who are struggling with this problem. We see the effects in our communities, in increased strain on our health and social services and justice systems, and through lost opportunities at work and at home. The legacy of addiction is not something that we want to leave with our future generations.
This campaign is about empowering young people to speak up about how addictions in their homes and their communities affect them. It is about providing them with healthy choices and information about where to go for help. It is also about messages of hope and working to inspire each other so we can stop the cycle of addiction.
The My Voice, My Choice campaign is a part of the Healthy Choices framework and our government’s Choose brand, and builds on the community-based Not Us! campaign. Where Not Us! funds community-led projects, this new campaign facilitates discussion and messages at a personal level.
This project was developed through research about how to prevent addictions in youth, and reflects current best practices. Part of our launch celebration was the release of a number of strong videos that are already being created through workshops in Deline and Fort Simpson. At the launch we were joined by some of the youth who have bravely offered their perspective, as well as Godson, who has taken on an existing role to spread the My Voice, My Choice message.
As leaders in our communities we have an important role to play in speaking up about addictions and promoting healthier choices. I thank the youth that added their voices to My Voice, My Choice. Their messages are important for all NWT residents to hear. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Ramsay
