Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, this is Member's statement for Health and Social Services on alcohol and drug addictions. So the NWT is in crisis situation with alcoholism and drug addictions, and we need to do a better job of supporting our people to be sober and healthy and well. Every one of us in this room has been affected by alcoholism or drug addiction. Some of our family, our own family members are struggling with this. Alcohol and drugs destroy lives and entire families. It robs people of their dreams, especially young people who still have so much life ahead of them. This is not a way for anyone to live or go through life. Youth are in their prime. They should be enjoying life going to school, being on the land, hunting and trapping.
Mr. Speaker, I know that young people as young as 12 years old are experimenting with drugs. Parents are doing their best to work with their children but everyone needs to keep our young people safe from alcohol and drugs. They are our future leaders.
Mr. Speaker, at one time there was no alcohol or drugs in our communities. Now we see them everywhere. Crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other hard drugs are in most of our small communities.
Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned for our people that don’t have control over their drinking and drugging. We know that people with heavy addictions usually end up in jail and or their lives are cut short. Mr. Speaker, we cannot wait any longer. Our people need actions from the government to support those in the grips of alcoholism and drug addictions. The government needs to be more effective and work with people in the regions and communities, not just in Yellowknife.
I am aware that 5 percent of the government operational budget is to address addictions but, Mr. Speaker, that is not enough. Mr. Speaker, the government needs to start investing in programs that respond to the needs of regions, communities, and work directly with the people where they are at. What I mean is that the government needs to meet people in their home communities and in the stage of their addictions and recovery. I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services after. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
