Debates of October 14, 2005 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I share the views of other Members in congratulating the RCMP for some of the major arrests that went down. The thing is that once the smoke from this clears, we still have to address the needs of those who are addicted to cocaine and drugs and that is an ongoing issue that we have to pay attention to. So my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. The people who are involved in dealing with those with drug addiction speak about the need for a spectrum of services that have to be available to those who need them. The spectrum speaks to a treatment centre that people often speak about, but there are lots of other programs. People can go to a treatment centre, get dried out, be treated and sober, but they have to live their everyday life and they need support in that regard. I know there are groups in Yellowknife who are working to set up a transition home for men, especially, who have substance abuse problems. I know they were looking at submitting an application to the Minister for some funding. Would the Minister indicate whether or not he supports providing that assistance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Return To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are working with a number of groups, and we give all these proposals serious consideration of what fiscal resources may be available to meet such requests. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Am I to understand, then, that the Minister is not aware of a proposal at this time?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am aware of a number of proposals, some related to the Salvation Army and their plan to build an addition. The specific project the Member references is not clear enough for me to know if that’s the same one. If there is another one, then I am unaware of it. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people in our communities and in our cities always express their frustration at what seems to be a lack of action on the part of the government to address this drug problem and crime problem that seems to be prevalent in our communities. They don’t understand why the Minister is not talking about building a treatment centre and providing support to those who need to get some help. There are some real long-term residents, just regular citizens, who are struggling with this very serious crack and drug problem. Whenever I ask that question, the Minister always speaks about the millions of dollars that we are spending to deal with mental health people and addiction…

Do you have a question, Ms. Lee?

Supplementary To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sorry. I would like to know if the Minister sees a transition home for men who are addicted to crack or any other drugs as part of his plan for addressing people with a substance problem?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in fact, we do invest millions of dollars. We had initiated and completed two years of a three-year plan for mental health and addictions. For the third year, we have the funding there and we are taking the time to review where we’ve been, where we are and where is the best direction to go. I have approached the committee for their input. We have also gone to the authorities. We are also going to have Ms. Chalmers, the author of the State of Emergency report that initiated this plan three years ago now, to take a look to see the work that we have done. In the meantime, we know there are drug issues. Crystal meth is coming. We know about crack cocaine. We have made arrangements locally with the Salvation Army and other groups to try to address that issue. So we are looking to the future, to where we go. We are looking for input, and we know there has been interest in creating another treatment centre in the Northwest Territories. That’s definitely one of the options on the list. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final, short supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister is still floating from the compliment that he received earlier and he’s not getting to the specifics of what I am trying to get at. Could I ask the Minister to enquire into this proposal that is being put forward by the people in the community who are in the know about dealing with people with substance problems? They are really looking at setting up a transition home or home for men who are trying to live a sober life. Living with sobriety requires a home that is conducive to that, and there is a proposal…(inaudible)…gives its best consideration on that proposal. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 116-15(4): Addictions Treatment Services

Yes, Mr. Speaker.