Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, the scope of addictions and problems are widely known. It’s practically an epidemic. That is disgraceful.
In our territory, 32 percent of residents are heavy drinkers, a figure twice the national average. Alcohol and drug-related hospitalizations are widespread and expensive. Beyond frequent hospitalizations for extreme detoxification, there are injuries from falls and physical violence, and longer-term conditions such as liver disease, heart disease and stroke. Eighty-five percent of crimes are related to alcohol or drug abuse. The courts are congested and the jails are filled. It boggles the mind to consider the social and financial costs.
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Our people keep demanding better service, and rightly so. They should not have to fly south for residential treatment. They should receive care from specially trained alcohol and drug workers, not generic mental health workers. Their option should extend to on-the-land treatment programs.
I know I am not the only one tired of seeing the government take baby steps or even backward steps. What is needed is a giant leap forward. With the right kind of help, our people can heal from addictions. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
