Mr. Speaker, in November I raised the issue of follow-up on treatment programs for individuals. My questions were directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. The Minister wrote me back, just a couple of days ago, in response to my concern about not having a follow-up process. One of the statements in her letter to me basically put the onus back on the person who’s sought treatment programs and basically said it’s their obligation to work through this process, and if they want to call in for support, it’s up to them
Mr. Speaker, my concern is that the Minister is taking, back to my reference earlier, the Pontius Pilate approach: “You’ve come for treatment. Good luck; see you later; you’re on your own.” I’d like the Minister to reconsider this approach by establishing a follow-up process for anyone who receives treatment, and have our employees give folks a call every once in a while to make sure they’re doing okay. Would she reconsider that process?
Mr. Speaker, I must say I have a different interpretation. I read that letter quite differently. I reviewed it a number of times, and a lot of thought was put into that. If I remember correctly, the letter I sent to him said that there is, in fact, an after-care program, where the Northern residents are sent to.
For anybody who is involved in wanting to deal with their addiction, the most important part of recovering and living an addiction-free life is self-motivation and self-discipline. The letter did indicate that where the residents are sent to institutional settings, they work out the after-care program with the places where they‘ve been treated. They are encouraged to have an ongoing relationship and contact with them.
Any after-care programs that work together in partnership with the regional staff of the Department of Health and Social Services have wellness workers and addiction specialists who work with the people who want help. We in this House know addiction issues can only be addressed when the individuals involved take full control over the process.
My concern is what the Minister just pointed out right there. She read the letter and she reviewed the letter, but I’m concerned it wasn’t written by the Minister or with the intent to call it what is was.
“There’s a phone number here. They can call in.” Mr. Speaker, I’m talking about taking the responsibility one level further. I’m sure employees aren’t too busy to call folks once every three months to make sure they’re doing okay.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister again: will she move forward by setting up a policy that encourages our staff to get out there? When someone goes through treatment, they call them and follow up and just say: “Hey, how are you doing? Are you feeling okay? If you need any help, here’s the phone number and process to get back and re-engage.” Would the Minister do that?
Mr. Speaker, the letter the Member is referring to is not before the House. I have a problem with the Member misquoting and misinterpreting that letter. I stand by that letter. That letter has some information that says our workers work in full partnership with anybody who wants help with their addiction issues, whether that be by working with the wellness and addictions workers or by wanting to get treatment. The department and my staff are involved with the process throughout.
I’m just saying that those who go through programs like Poundmaker or any institutional setting, they have a separate relationship and a separate process that is designed by that institution, and the people involved have to take full control over that. I think the Member is completely misunderstanding that information.
Mr. Speaker, we’re asking for a simple process. The Minister can set forward an initiative, a directive, by saying “Create a consultation process that phones people once every three months, six months” — whatever the Minister feels appropriate — “to re-engage folks.” We’re throwing money away if we send them out for treatment and we don’t help them follow through. Treatment is a lifelong process. We just can’t say, “Here’s a pill. Take it. Good luck. See you later. You’re on your own.” I want to see that we follow up with people. It’s a good investment for people; it shows the government cares.
Would the Minister send out a directive to create a follow-up process so people who seek treatment get continual care for a number of years, to make sure they know we care about them and their success?
I state for the Member again, that process is in place. Our wellness workers and addiction workers are continually with those who want help. I don’t really understand. That work is being done, and that is my answer.
Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.
I haven't tabled the letter yet, so I’m not going to read it word for word. But one of the facilities has a phone number for people to call when they so desire. I’m talking about changing that around. I think the Minister perhaps has not read the letter that was written for her closely enough, because it says the situation is the other way around.
Would the Minister set up a program as I have suggested?
I’m happy to repeat again that those who want to have an addiction-free life have to make that choice, and they have to access programs. All the help is available to them. It is not beyond good practice and policy to ask people to be engaged in their own healing process.
All the help is there. The numbers are there. Our workers are in communities. Wellness workers are there. It’s a good policy. The programs are there for the people to access.
