Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to speak in support of a request from the community of Fort Good Hope that the government reinstates the position for prevention and health promotion worker in the community.
Chief Arthur Tobac, the chief of K’ahsho Got’ine Band, believes that the lack of programs and services to support parents and young people in Fort Good Hope is holding the students back. He was very appreciative of the leadership taken by the Culture and Education department Minister at the Minister’s forum on Aboriginal achievement and education and at the Department of Health and Social Services community meetings. The community was encouraged by the consultation. Representing his community, Chief Tobac recommended the reinstatement of a prevention and health promotion worker who would be hired specifically to focus on helping the youth deal with alcohol and drug dependencies.
The prevention and health promotion worker could help youth keep on track and help them find alternatives to alcohol and drug use. Discovering healthy alternatives is the means to personal healing that gives the youth confidence and the energy for these youth to have more self-worth or are more likely to fit in at school and get involved in their studies. These students learn more, increase their skills and knowledge, feel better about themselves and are more likely to complete high school and further their education.
I think Fort Good Hope is on the right track, Mr. Speaker, in their request to hire their own prevention and community health promotion worker who can focus on creating a healthier environment for the student population. We want to help the youth actively engage in learning at school and at home, and they need help, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the chief says our youth are our future. Let’s start investing in our youth and in their future by helping them put together a community solution that they’re proposing to this government. Will this government stand up and listen and support the Fort Good Hope initiative to hire a prevention and health promotion worker? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
