Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mental health experts have cautioned that the fear of COVID, mounting death toll, economic downturn, and uncertainty is fueling a mental health crisis. What I would like to know is: how has the Department of Health and Social Services changed mental healthcare through COVID?
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Community Counselling Program continues to be available in the Northwest Territories, including locations here in Yellowknife, but during this pandemic counselling services have changed. We are now providing these services through telephone or by using virtual options like Zoom and FaceTime. I do want to note that wait times for counselling across our system have been eliminated, and residents can access same-day appointments. In addition, the federal government is also providing virtual options for all Canadians. The Wellness Together Canada is a free online portal with a variety of e-mental health apps focused on things like anxiety, depression, and stress, so the health and social services system is working to promote these options to the residents of the Northwest Territories so that they can have more options that are easily accessible from home through this pandemic.
While I appreciate the Department of Health and Social Services looking for new ways to provide mental healthcare to Northerners, the reality is that not every single person has access to using apps or video conferencing for mental health appointments. Many residents of the Northwest Territories simply do not have the minutes on cellphones to be able to access telehealth. What I would like to know is: will the Department of Health and Social Services still provide in-person counselling to people who simply cannot access these supports?
The Community Counselling Program has shifted. I understand the Member's concern about not being able to have the one-on-one. However, there are times when individuals may need to be seen by a health professional in person, so these are situations that we assess on a case-by-case basis.
Bringing home a new baby today would bring a whole new level of fear and anxiety with it for new moms, heightened anxiety as parents work to keep their tiny infant safe, increased stress as parents are potentially further isolated from their support networks. How has support for new moms changed since March?
Supports that were in place for new moms before this pandemic are still available. These are things like the Community Counselling Program, the Healthy Family Program, public health Moms, Boobs and Babies. These are some of the initiatives that we have available for moms. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are lucky that COVID-19 hit Canada as the sun was starting to come back in the North. Now that we are in phase 1, people are able to get outside and spend more time together while social distancing. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that our second and potentially third wave will come as we are heading back into winter and that the mental health of Northerners will be further at risk. Self care for people includes exercise, eating properly, establishing a support network. What I would like to know is: what is the plan for the Department of Health and Social Services to help keep Northerners safe as we potentially might end up re-entering the containment phase as winter sets in? Thank you.
While we anticipate there will be a second wave of this virus, we really have no way of knowing what course this pandemic will take; however, the Health and Social Services system is actively working to ensure residents are aware of services and supports available to them. This is being done through traditional media platforms, website, Facebook pages, and sites. Also, it includes a focus on the wellness and ways to cope and take care of yourself. This type of information is important at all times, especially during this pandemic, and we will continue to provide support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
