Debates of October 29, 2004 (day 31)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to also talk about the critical need for a drug treatment centre in the NWT. This grave concern I have is not because of the numerous calls I have received in regard to this issue, it has also developed into something more personal now. This epidemic is becoming increasingly more visible in our everyday lives with close friends, relatives and families becoming victims to this crisis in only a matter of a few days or weeks, Mr. Speaker.

We are all aware that the migration patterns reveal a distinct urbanization trend toward larger centres and more noticeably by aboriginals. With these changes, the communities are faced with increased pressure on health programs, education and our housing programs, but we cannot forget about the increase in violent crimes, Mr. Speaker, which is now five times our national average; and the property crimes going up every month it seems, is 40 percent higher than our national average.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage our government to initiate an action plan to address this public concern before we are faced with a full-blown epidemic, which gets totally out of our control. We need a plan which involves all governments and community organizations, a plan that encompasses goals on support programs and preventative activities for our youth and adolescents to treatment and aftercare of adults and families.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that this issue is not something that can be resolved overnight, but I do know that we have a responsibility to our northern residents, and especially our youth, to take immediate pro-action so that we are not left so far behind that we can no longer assist or provide the needed help that our residents require. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause