Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Thank you. In the field of mental health and addictions, we often hear that we must meet people where they are at. Are there outreach workers in each community? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, this is Member's statement for Health and Social Services on alcohol and drug addictions. So the NWT is in crisis situation with alcoholism and drug addictions, and we need to do a better job of supporting our people to be sober and healthy and well. Every one of us in this room has been affected by alcoholism or drug addiction. Some of our family, our own family members are struggling with this. Alcohol and drugs destroy lives and entire families. It robs people of their dreams, especially young people who still have so much life ahead of them. This is not a way...

Community Based PostSecondary Education Program:

My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. There are many challenges Tlicho residents face if they want to pursue postsecondary education.

Aurora College has a presence in each of the Tlicho communities through the Adult Education Learning Centre but these centres do not deliver Aurora College diploma programs. If Tlicho people were provided the opportunity to become a teacher, a social worker, or even a nurse through remote learning centres, Tlicho residents could remain in their community while working towards an...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm asking this question because I worked in the school for many years, and it's to the Department of Health and Social Services regarding the addictions.

Children are being exposed to alcoholism and drug addictions throughout their entire school experience. What programs are in place for school age from elementary through to high school to educate young people about the negative impacts of alcohol and drugs, drug addictions? Thank you.

Thank you. Can the Minister identify what specific communitybased programming is in place now to support people struggling with addictions between the age of 20 to 40 years old?

Thank you, Minister I mean Mr. Speaker. Okay, for the Health and Social Services. Many NWT residents have voiced that they want mental wellness and addiction recovery support in their own communities. Currently, most of the positions for this work is located in Yellowknife. But what plans are underway to increase more staff in the regions?

Can the Minister support communities to purchase food hampers and emergency clothing for cold weather?

Thank you. I will have questions for Housing on a later date. So, okay, Mr. Speaker, Christmas is a time of joy but many people are struggling economically. Every person deserves food, shelter, and act of kindness during this Christmas season, and MACA provides funding to the communities. And in this one, it's up to the other departments if they feel generous, they can chip in as well, hey.

So first question: Can the Minister identify if there are any provisions in MACA funding for communities that support emergency housing solutions?

Mr. Speaker, thank you. I will be supporting this budget as well. I was going to abstain but realizing that we do need more infrastructure in my regions, and yesterday I said we have high unemployment rate, and I know there is going to be lot of jobs that's going to be coming up through these infrastructure. And I know I am aware that Whati people are paying for high power rates. So Whati transmission line is on there. But it would be nice if we can have more money invested in mental health, addiction, and housing. And I think as a government, we can do more to get more money from the federal...

Thank you. Can the Minister commit to working with partners in communities to ensure vulnerable homes are provided food hampers during the holiday season? Thank you.