Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last three years and 10 months I have received a number of questions and concerns from constituents on the amount of services and supports provided to families living with children with autism. Based on conversations with the previous Minister of Health and Social Services, it is clear to me that this government does not offer much in the way of dedicated services for these individuals.
Autism is a growing problem both in Canada and the Northwest Territories. One in 110 children born today will live with autism to many different degrees of effect. One in 70 male children born will have autism. Based on these statistics, seven-plus children are being born every year in the Northwest Territories with autism. This means that during the life of this 16th Legislative Assembly, approximately 28 children have been born with autism in the Northwest Territories and will need support.
This is a problem that affects more than just Yellowknife. It is a reality in all of our communities and must be addressed. Currently, families living with children within the NWT but not in Yellowknife have to relocate their families to Yellowknife in hopes of receiving any services. Families will be disappointed when they arrive and find no dedicated services for children living with autism. As a result, they may have to join many of the families in Yellowknife who have had no choice but to leave the North for other jurisdictions throughout Canada and go where dedicated services exist.
My research shows that all provinces in Canada support dedicated services to children living with autism. If we had even a portion of these services available, either through the GNWT or a private provider, we would be able to help families remain in their home communities, including Yellowknife.
I know of some specialists in the South who would be interested in providing these types of services here in the Northwest Territories. Many of these can be done by distance, with short-term visits here in the Northwest Territories. Education, Culture and Employment could become an active partner when the children reach school age.
Great technology and programs exist. Our system should be able to effectively build upon many of these opportunities for the sake of our children. Good people who want to remain in the Northwest Territories would not have to leave in order to provide quality opportunities for their children if we were to be proactive.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Let’s find a way to support our residents and find a way to help them in their homes and their communities. I know it’s the dying days of this Assembly, however, the current Minister of Health and Social Services will continue to be the Minister of Health and Social Services until October. As such, later today I will be asking him to direct his department to do some research and provide some options for consideration by all Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly early in the life of the next Assembly.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
