Debates of February 15, 2005 (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services and it’s with regard to a lack of youth shelter that can remain open after midnight. Mr. Speaker, I was first informed about this need over the holidays at Christmastime, and I did write to the Minister, but I have not heard back from him. So I would like to ask the Minister about what programs there are available under his guidance that could benefit those between 15 and 18 who find themselves homeless after midnight on any given day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a facility in town called the SideDoor that has been providing services to youth, and it’s my understanding that the department and authority are working with the SideDoor to look at a weekend program for youth that will help address that issue. They have targeted the weekend nights as the most important time for that service. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, it is also my understanding that the SideDoor is in the process of trying to get some assistance from the department. One of the issues that this group will need help with, aside from some funding, which I understand that this is not going to be something that’s expected of the government to carry 100 percent. I think there are interest partners, there might be some money with the Homelessness Coalition and other crime prevention funding and such, but I think there’s a key role for this government to play. So there are funding issues that we would like the government to partner with. The other thing a group like this runs into problems with is liabilities. So would the Minister’s department be willing to consider looking at that to see where the government could help with that? Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, the department and authority are working with the SideDoor to look at establishing a weekend program for youth. They will be looking at all the variables that are out there that impact on establishing such a program, such as the funding and the liability issues and any other issues that come into the mix as we move ahead on this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s answers, but over the years I’ve learned to listen to the Minister’s answers very carefully and in listening to him, I’m not sure if there was any indication there, strong enough anyway. The Minister is suggesting that the government is working with them, but I don’t have as strong an indication as I would like for the Minister’s support in this project. Could the Minister indicate whether he supports the agency’s proposal? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department over in Centre Square is working with the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority. Those are two major players in the health and social services system. The board is responsible for services in Yellowknife, and the Department of Health and Social Services, which has oversight and responsibility territorial-wide, is working with the SideDoor. They are there in good faith and they are there to try to work with that operation to see if they can establish a program for youth on the weekends. So I think the fact that they are at the table and they are all working together, should be the assurance and comfort the Member needs. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Your final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll take that as a yes and ask the Minister, Mr. Speaker, I think there are larger issues in question here, and those are the gap years between 16 and 18 and the lack of support or the crack in the law and the legal limbo that these teenagers get into because they are not under 16 where there are other protections, and they are not over 18 where they could tap into programs that are available for adults. So I would like to know if the Minister has any plans to review those and see where the gaps can be filled. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 388-15(3): Need For A Youth Shelter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is an issue, but to me the real issue is the fact that these young people have homes, they have parents, and what do we do to work with the families and the parents and the young people to make the right choices so that they are not on the street at night where they feel that they’ve been abandoned and have no place to go. It is the fundamental parental responsibility and the fundamental role of the young people, as well, to work together. So, to me, that is an issue that we have to keep paying attention to.