Debates of October 28, 2004 (day 30)

Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services with respect to my Member’s statement on the absence of an alcohol and drug worker in the community of Fort Liard. I would just like to ask the Minister what the transition plan was and why there isn’t an alcohol and drug counsellor there today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, back on August 18th the Member and myself and some other folks sat down in Fort Liard when we were doing a tour of the Nahendeh. We met with the chief and we talked about the concern about the alcohol and drug worker in the community which has been converted into a community wellness worker and a mental health and addictions counsellor that was being hired. Those are two separate positions. It was agreed at that time that there would be a staffing process initiated for the mental health worker. As well, we would be looking at filling the community wellness worker locally with an individual that was currently working in the community at the health centre who was fluent in Slavey. That process is underway. My understanding was that there was an interview held for the mental health position. The person doing the interview did not pass. That position is being re-advertised. As well, we are still in the process of trying to arrange for a direct appointment for an individual in Fort Liard to take over the duties of the community wellness worker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess the contention here, Mr. Speaker, is that there was quite a bit of controversy when they cancelled the programming that was run by the band. We had asked to extend it as long as possible and they did, but they assured us of a smooth transfer, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to ask the Minister again how soon will the community of Fort Liard be getting an alcohol counsellor? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker it is unfortunate that there are no current services but, as I indicated, the process is already underway to re-advertise for the mental health position. I will commit to the Member to get more specific detail of the direct appointment of one of the local staff who is currently working at the health centre in terms of having her moved into the community wellness worker’s position. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell myself and the community what provisions are in place today to address those that may need assistance or may need help with their counselling needs today? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there will be contingency backup arrangements made out of Fort Simpson to fill in the service gaps on a temporary basis until we can rectify and staff these two positions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

I would like to thank the Minister for his answers, Mr. Speaker. That’s an immediate concern. As well, he did bring up the mental health position. Perhaps I can ask the Minister when that will be filled, as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 329-15(3): Absence Of An Alcohol And Drug Worker In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there were interviews held just recently, and the person being interviewed didn’t pass the interview. So they are re-advertising that as we speak. So hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll get some successful applicants interviewed and staffed. Thank you.