Debates of March 19, 2004 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank God it is Friday.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, it was interesting hearing from the Minister of Health and Social Services on the aspect of the Nechi training. I am also a product of the Nechi training that was held in the Northwest Territories. I would like to ask the question to the Minister, would he continue his support for the Nechi training, especially in the Sahtu region, in light of the potential impacts that may happen down the Mackenzie Valley? My question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Would he continue on with the Nechi training in the North? Thank you.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 42-15(3): Social Impacts Of Pipeline Development

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently I understand there are five staff that are engaged in taking Nechi training. As I committed to the Member for Hay River South, we will be coming forward with a package which we will share with the Social Programs committee to get their feedback and advice so that we can come up with the best plan possible for community wellness workers so that we have some formal training that clearly encompasses the addictions component, as well as other areas of their job description. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 42-15(3): Social Impacts Of Pipeline Development

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. The Sahtu region got together on March 2nd, 3rd and 4th. One of the themes that came out of that leaders meeting for our future government in Norman Wells was the social impact of potential resources that may happen down the Mackenzie Valley. I would like to ask the Minister if he would work with the other Ministers in terms of preparing for the potential development in the Mackenzie Valley, especially the Sahtu region where they voiced a lot of concern in regard to preparing for some potential development in the region. Thank you.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 42-15(3): Social Impacts Of Pipeline Development

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are currently working groups that are at work due to the issue of the social impact of major resource development, as well as the government through the social agenda policy conference that was held. Our response to that conference was we committed $1 million to do some pilot projects in the impacted areas to try to help the communities get ready for the impact of major resource development. We have just concluded the first year of that process. We are evaluating what has been done to date. We were somewhat late getting started, but we are committing to that process as well, and will be coming back to Cabinet with the results of the first year. So, yes, Mr. Speaker, we are committed to working with the affected regions and the communities as a government as we try to deal with and anticipate the impact of major resource development. Thank you.