Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am slightly concerned that we might be putting too much emphasis on digital supports when it comes to helping people with mental health. My first question for the Minister of Health and Social Services is: we've heard of extreme benefits, even in this House from different Members, of connecting with knowledge keepers in times of need. I'm wondering if the Department of Health and Social Services has looked into on-the-land mental health clinics for Northerners during COVID. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, our department provides $1.8 million to Indigenous groups for on-the-land programs. Thank you.
I appreciate that the Minister spoke to we're not quite sure what the fall will bring. We aren't sure what the fall will bring. We aren't sure what will happen with kids this fall with the second or third wave, and if kids will end up back at school, but we have heard wonderful things about the child and youth care counsellors who will be going into schools this fall. What I'm wondering is: even if our kids don't return to school, will these child and youth care counsellors still be accessible supports to the kids of the Northwest Territories?
The answer is yes. The child and youth care counsellors are already working with schools and continuing to provide supports to children and youth, in their schools and in their communities. The child and youth care counsellors are providing services to children and youth using the telephone and virtual approaches. Also, they will continue to work through the summer and into the fall, regardless of whether schools are open or not.
I appreciate that answer from the Minister. I would like to move on to our front-line workers, if possible. Compassion fatigue is a real thing, and I think that it is something that our front-line workers are experiencing throughout the Northwest Territories right now. Many of our front-line workers were recalled from March Break, annual leave was cancelled, and they've been working non-stop at a very high-stress time. With a limited number of mental health counsellors, nurses, and physicians that we have in the Northwest Territories, how does the GNWT intend to support the needs of Northerners while protecting the psychological health and safety of our front-line staff?
All the GNWT front-line staff have access to their Employee and Family Assistance Program, the EFAP. In addition, the Northwest Territories Health Social Service Authority has implemented a staff support line and a crisis debriefs needed in all the regions. The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has also worked with occupational health and safety to create a wellness room in the hospitals for staff who may need to access their EFAP or support line during their shift. There are also plans to support vacation leave for health professionals over the summer.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Member for Yellowknife Centre.
