George Nerysoo

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The residents of the Northwest Territories as a whole has been hit hard with the recent announcements of closures of the community learning centres by the board of governors of Aurora College. Without any community consultation, we are experiencing cuts in smaller communities yet again. This decision shows that the smaller communities do not matter in the development of our territory's economy.

Mr. Speaker, I have been approached by many residents of the Beaufort Delta region, both in person and by social media, and asking why this decision was made without prior...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd just like to thank the Minister for that detailed answer. It's encouraging to have these kinds of programs, especially when we have our younger generations populations picking up these habits, especially smoking within the small communities is so prevalent. You see these younger generations picking up these habits so thankful that, you know, these types of programs are available, should be more available, readily available within the school systems where we can attract and make the younger population more aware. Just more of a comment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister conduct public consultation to the employees and affected communities on what the plans are for the learning centres within each respective community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To date, since the announcement of closures of the community learning centres, what has the department done in making recommendations as to what is going to happen in the near future with the community learning centres? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On page 8, about substance use and addictions program for a modest $69,000. With the high problems that we're encountering with social problems, especially alcohol and drugs, can you elaborate on what these addictions programs are entailed with this $69,000? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister give me and this House the number of employees who are directly impacted by the closure of the community learning centres? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for all that information. That's real good news to hear that money has been allocated. There's another barrier that, you know, that we have to look at policies and procedures that will go hand in hand with these committees if they're established at the community level. Will the department look at assisting these communities with policies and procedures in order to make this committee work effectively? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The smaller communities are struggling with the lack of resources that are available to them in order to better their lifestyles. We have individuals who have expressed interest in abstaining from the use of alcohol and/or drugs, but they have to leave their communities to get counselling services to start the process. Most of the residents do not want to confide in someone that they do not know.

Mr. Speaker, the wealth of resources is within the community where the individual lives mainly because everyone knows each other, and they know where to seek help at a moment's...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are there any active committees like that are actively working in to helping their residents of these small communities that we can learn from that are active within the NWT at the present time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services.

Will the department consider funding willing communities to establish a working committee to counsel potential individuals who would like to enter the substance abuse program? At the present time, the interested individuals who want to go for treatment have to seek counselling elsewhere, so they have to leave the community. And the community members know best who need the help, and they know each other. So will the department consider funding potential communities with these committees? Thank...