Debates of June 1, 2005 (day 6)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Education. I was at a briefing today with respect to tobacco addictions, Madam Speaker. I was thinking in addictions overall, how much of a role does our Education department play in the curriculum of teaching our children about addictions? How much time do we have set aside in our education system, Madam Speaker, with respect to teaching our children about addictions?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 71-15(4): Role Of Education In Addictions Programming

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I can’t answer the question as to how many minutes or hours might be involved, but I can say that our curriculum includes the teaching of issues around additions starting from the earliest grades. There is a much heavier emphasis in the health curriculum by the time students get to the junior high level and then it carries on into the high school. It is something that is included in all levels of schooling in the discussions. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 71-15(4): Role Of Education In Addictions Programming

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am aware of some of the initiatives, particularly by the RCMP or the Justice department in terms of the DARE program. I am just wondering about some of the content about what is available to our youth in the schools. I recently quit smoking cigarettes…

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….and many years ago I had a personal battle with alcohol and I was able to deal with that by myself. I was just thinking does our curriculum or some of the things we are teaching our children help them know where to turn for help. Is that within what we are teaching them, Madam Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Dent.

Further Return To Question 71-15(4): Role Of Education In Addictions Programming

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The curriculum focuses on helping young people understand how to make healthy choices. Healthy choices include how to make choices around issues of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Yes, there is a discussion included around where to get assistance and how to get assistance if that is needed. Many of our schools have incorporated counselling, not just career counselling, but counselling within the schools to help young people so they have a resource, a person they can talk to about making those healthy choices. For instance, in Norman Wells they have brought a regular counsellor into the school system and it’s really made a positive change in the behaviour in the schools, they have found, including how children are interacting with the law. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 71-15(4): Role Of Education In Addictions Programming

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Is it the priority of this government to continue with the expansion of these programs if they feel it’s necessary? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Dent.

Further Return To Question 71-15(4): Role Of Education In Addictions Programming

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I said, this is definitely part of the curriculum already. It’s something we can work on with our partners in the education system to find out if we need to strengthen the resources that are available. If they do, we will certainly look to do that. We do encourage the schools to take advantage of partnerships with the RCMP, Health and Social Services and other caregivers in the communities to make sure the resources are brought into the classroom to help with this whole process. Thank you.