Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Programs and services are essential services for all our communities in the Northwest Territories. Throughout the NWT, from education programs to health care services and health centres to hospitals, we all depend on the programs and services that assist our residents to improve the quality of life, the well-being of our communities, and the health of our residents. From mental health positions in our communities to alcohol and drug programs to social workers, they do make a difference in our communities.
The goal of this Assembly is healthy, vibrant communities. The real commitment that we made making that statement is not real. When we have communities without programs and services and the lack of essential services such as nursing services, social services, income support, that lack of services brings a barrier to the community’s health and well-being.
Yes, there are challenges we face in our communities regarding the high cost of living. The high cost of energy and isolation plays one of the reasons that we don’t have all services in communities. That is no reason this government should not be ensuring that adequate programs and services are being developed in our communities. These communities need attention that other communities take for granted, because they have all the programs and services being delivered and access to health centres and clinics to see a doctor. In a large number of our smaller communities, that is not the case. Why is it that in 2010 we still have have and have-not communities?
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
If programs and services are essential services, why is it we have some communities with programs and services and a large number of smaller communities that don’t? All residents of the Northwest Territories deserve a fair break. Regardless if you live in Colville Lake, Tsiigehtchic, Sachs Harbour or Nahanni Butte, we have a responsibility to provide programs and services to our residents. At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services what she is doing to ensure essential services are being provided to our communities.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Michael McLeod.
