Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is about the social workers and counsellors in Nunakput. Social workers and counsellors provide services to the community that are immeasurable and invaluable, devoting their careers to helping people through difficult times, living healthier, coping with addictions and the healing process. Unfortunately, most communities in Nunakput do not have either. Shame on this government.
I ask this government why, after so much commitment from the federal government, the territorial government and organizations such as The Healing Foundation, do the communities such as Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok, still lack social workers and counsellors?
During recent discussions with the mayor from Ulukhaktok and the principal, they have both identified the lack of professional social support and development as one of the most serious issues in their community. People with real problems have very complicated problems and have nowhere to go, no one to talk to, and that’s a shame. Furthermore, it contradicts the commitments made by this and previous governments. Students with problems at home that affect their educational performance should have counsellors to talk to if they need help with the problems.
I’ve recently been made aware of social workers’ and counsellors’ work in Inuvik and they’re supposed to service the communities. But when talking to the front-line workers in the communities, they’ve never heard or had a visit of that nature. Capacity building progress, serious social supports, it’s very crucial that this government commits and delivers support required and not just pay lip service.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
