Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to follow up on my Member’s statement when I spoke about on-the-land programming and some of the wonderful projects that are happening in the regions and communities this year.
I want to speak specifically about the Deh Cho proposals. I know that the Minister wasn’t able to qualify a successful proposal in his announcement yesterday. So, are there proposals out there and what type are they? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There actually is a significant amount of interest in the Deh Cho and we have been working with a variety of groups in the Deh Cho to determine what the best approach is for the residents of the Deh Cho. So as that work progresses, I’d certainly be happy to keep the Member updated. Thank you.
Thank you very much. I’m really pleased that the department is moving this forward. I’m not too sure about facilities that were invested in last year, if the intent of the proposal was geared toward using that facility or is the department open to other proposals that may be out there? Thank you.
It’s my understanding that we actually turned those resources on that particular site over to I think it was the Liidlii K’ue First Nation, but we’ll have to confirm that with the understanding that if we ever wanted to run an on-the-land program in that location we can use those facilities as well. So, honestly, they can use those facilities for anything they need, they don’t need our permission. They can utilize them for any type of programming that they deem as appropriate and reasonable for residents of the Deh Cho. Thank you.
Thank you very much. I notice that some of the programming in the other regions was adult orientated. Can and will youth proposals be accepted as well? Thank you.
In this process we don’t want to dictate to any of the communities or regions what project would be appropriate for them. This is a community-driven initiative. So it’s what the community wishes to see and how the community wishes to see it unroll.
As I said to Member Blake yesterday, we’re there to add clinical advice and expertise if they seek it, and if they want some of our people there, we’re willing to participate as well. So if they want a youth program, they can have a youth program. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.
QUESTION 650-17(5):
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Leading up from my Member’s statement, I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services a couple of questions. What programs do we offer for youth in the area of depression? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The Minister of Health, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A number of the programs that we deliver are not age specific. The NWT Helpline is available to youth. We have some specific suicide intervention programming and training that we’re trying to get into the schools and I believe we’ll be able to get into a number of the schools this year. There’s a number of programs that are available for youth, but all the programs are available for youth as well. Thank you.
Is the department developing programs to educate our youth on signs of depression and who they can speak to? Thank you.
There’s a program that we’re supporting called Talking About Mental Illness, which is actually a program that we’re intending to get into the schools, which will encourage people, youth, to talk about mental health issues and we’re anticipating seeing some of the delivery of that this fiscal year. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
