Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is on addiction to substance abuse programs. The substance abuse situation and the lack of real support services is in crisis in the Northwest Territories. It has one of the highest levels of addictions needs per capita in Canada with one of the lowest expenditures program assistance. This government continuously is criticized for the lack of real initiatives when it comes to the war against drugs and other forms of substance abuse, especially for the youth. The government is in an excellent position to take a lead role with all levels of government, including the federal government and organizations, to create meaningful programs and infrastructure. I cannot understand why this government continues to spend millions on out-of-province support and resources only to have participants return to their home communities with no aftercare. Not only is this uncompassionate, it makes no business sense. People need post-program care. It takes the same as sending a person to Edmonton with a serious back injury and not providing post-physiotherapy on their return to their home community.
I challenge this government to adopt a dual system to provide an equal number of days post-program assistance in their home community so if a participant spends 30 days in an addiction program, they’ll be given a minimum of 30 days professional support in their home communities.
All across the Territory community governments and organizations are saying the same thing. The community’s number one problem is not enough counselling support. The root of all problems comes from these issues: kids not doing well in school, people in endless cycles of social assistance, and dependencies on drugs and alcohol. The fact that the community’s real lack of support for people returning from substance abuse treatment is a shame.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
