Debates of October 18, 2006 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank Mr. Ramsay for bringing up the issue of health services. Mr. Speaker, on September 14th, 2006, I was able to travel to Ulukhaktok and speak with the local leaders and public in general. During this visit, Mr. Speaker, a concern was raised by the community leaders that the hamlet of Ulukhaktok has been without the following front-line workers for a number of months: social worker, mental health worker, and community wellness worker.

Mr. Speaker, front-line workers play a major role in small communities in terms of addressing and responding to social and family issues. Communities without front-line workers rely on the regional offices to respond to social and family issues, but at times a response may take up to a week or even longer, Mr. Speaker, depending on the weather. This is presently the case in Ulukhaktok.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services has advertised to recruit the positions of social worker and mental health worker in Ulukhaktok, but to date have not been successful in recruiting and filling these positions. Why is it, Mr. Speaker? Because of the shortage of qualified social and mental health workers, or is it because of the lack of accommodation in the communities?

Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok would like to see these positions filled as soon as possible. This will give their community the comfort and relief that their concerns are being addressed in regard to social and family issues.

Mr. Speaker, I will pursue the matter with the Department of Health and Social Services to ensure the positions of a social worker and mental health worker and community wellness worker are filled. In closing, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause