Thank you, Madam Speaker. On October 20th, the Minister of Health and Social Services said, quote, "The simple reason that we do not have a treatment centre in NWT is because they don't work", end quote. Because a northern centre has not been successful before, she implied it is not worth trying again.
I would like to understand the evidence the Minister relies on. To my knowledge, there is no research that says treatment centres do not work. Instead, we hear about more progress across the country in Indigenousled design of healing and treatment centres.
The NWT residents, particularly those in small communities, will continue to question the department on their position as long as information is not shared in a transparent way, because it seems there has not been analysis of strategies and outcomes with NWT treatment centres.
If we look back at the Office of the Auditor General's report on addiction prevention and recovery services, we read that the department of health and authorities did not know whether their services were effective, quote, "because they did not sufficiently measure clients' outcome or use data to analysis trends", end quote.
We all know how much need there is for programs and services that help with healing. We cannot give up because we have a diverse population and it is hard to do. The 21st Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for holistic healing centres for Indigenous people and even singles out Nunavut and Northwest Territories as priorities for where these centres should be established. Let's turn this into an opportunity for the federal government, Government of the Northwest Territories, and Indigenous governments to work together and make something happen.
The Minister has said it is preferable to provide a wide range of service options. These service options need to include a facility in NWT but otherwise I agree with the Minister. With the contract between Poundmaker's Lodge and the GNWT terminated, there are now only five southern facilitybased options for NWT residents who seek addiction treatment.
I want to remind the Minister that the Tlicho people have selfgovernment. There should be direct consultation with the Tlicho government on these matters. Madam Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude.
Unanimous consent granted
They are well positioned to help the Government of the Northwest Territories understand what adequate barrierfree culturally safe care looks like. In the meantime, the Tlicho government is forced to look at what it can do to fill the gaps in the services and systems under GNWT jurisdiction. Thank you. I will have question for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Tu NedheWiilideh.
