Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week, the Auditor General of Canada's report on addictions prevention and recovery services in the Northwest Territories was tabled in this House. Portions of the report speak of equitable access to supports as well as the need for culturally safe services. The auditor general reports that aftercare is limited or nonexistent, and there are little to no formalized processes or communications to clients on other supports available to them, including from Health Canada.
Prevention. I've heard from several residents that they often cannot reach the Primary Health Clinic or obtain an appointment, with many people lacking a permanent family doctor. Primary care can be the first point of contact for someone trying to get help or resources for mental health or medical issues that may lead to addiction and/or relapse.
Immediate access to top quality medical care is crucial if we want to deal with our addictions issue. Adjustments to the current system for accessing healthcare and trauma counselling need to change. Some of this work has been started but it’s clearly not enough as the mental health crisis looms on.
Recovery. People faced with addictions are often underhoused or homeless. Ensuring adequate housing and safe spaces is crucial to mental health and addiction prevention and recovery. The Departments of Health and Social Services and Housing must collaborate with Indigenous governments and communities to establish aftercare services and sober housing so people can continue their recovery in their home communities in a safe environment.
Furthermore, these spaces need to be in good repair, and there must be 24hour supports in place to help those recovering in their journey.
Mr. Speaker, when reviewing the report, the biggest thing that jumps out to me is the lack of data collection and measurable outcomes on addictions in the NWT. Both the Department of Health and Social Services and the health authorities have failed to collect or analyze targeted data; data that could have been used to identify trends and provide information to support action to improve outcomes for Northerners.
Mr. Speaker it has been 20 years since the Department of Health committed to better coordinate the health and social services system to improve residents' access to services. And 20 years later, it appears nothing has changed. This government needs to develop concrete, actionable plans that lead to better outcomes. They need to build sober houses and hire respected elders and community members to provide supports in communities. Mr. Speaker, i seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
They need to build sober houses and hire respected elders and community members to provide sober supports in communities.
The ability to detox and recover in an environment that is safe and supportive is the right of all of our people, and the GNWT has failed to provide this. How can we say we are truly intent on reconciliation when we fail to see our people crying for help? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Tu NedheWiilideh.
