Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my privilege to rise today to express my support and appreciation for the great work accomplished by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This initiative has been no small task. The commission visited our communities, set up supports, and provided a forum to allow our survivors to share their pain and begin to heal. This is a significant accomplishment.
I would like to acknowledge the fourth anniversary of the apology by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the work of his government, especially Minister Leona Aglukkaq, that has led to this day.
I would also like to thank Health Canada, as well as all the members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for their dedication and commitment during this process.
Mr. Speaker, many of our residents have suffered the direct impacts of residential school abuse, and many of their family members and loved ones have also been affected.
Over 6,000 common experience payment cheques were issued to residents in the NWT. We know that healing will be a lifelong process.
As Minister of Health and Social Services, I see the effects of the residential school experience reflected in our health and social services system, especially in mental health and addictions. Yet, I am also inspired by the courage, faith and determination of these survivors.
The Department of Health and Social Services provides over $9 million annually to support our
residents with mental health and addictions challenges. We fund addictions counsellors, on-the-land programs and treatment centres for residents. We will continue to develop and deliver programs and services that meet the needs of all residents of the NWT.
In addition, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with communities across the NWT to develop community wellness plans that will support community designed wellness programming, including on-the-land healing and after-care.
The programs and services we offered contribute to our collective efforts to assist survivors and their family.
I applaud the work of Health Canada Northern Region and their Resolution Health Support Program, which provides supports to survivors and their family. I would encourage all survivors to take advantage of this program.
Mr. Speaker, today is another step on the road to truth and reconciliation. As Members of this Legislature, and leaders in our communities, we must continue our efforts to help in the healing process and in restoring dignity to all of our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Before we continue, colleagues, I’d like to recognize a former Commissioner, Speaker, Minister, Member, Sergeant-at-Arms and our Honourary Clerk of the House, Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford.
---Applause
The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
