Mr. Speaker, Hay River has, and continues to have, its fair share of substance abuse issues which has been driven home by the number of drugrelated deaths in the last year.
Mr. Speaker, for those who are no longer with us, we grieve; for those who find themselves fighting a losing battle, we hear their cry for help. But are we as government listening? That cry is becoming louder, and it is not more studies they are asking for, it is not more reports they are asking for, and it is not more discussions they are asking for. What is being asked for is a safe place to detox with proper assessment and support.
Mr. Speaker, I am certain that we all know someone who is struggling with substance abuse, whether it be a family member, a friend, or that random person we pass on the street. Substance abuse has no qualms about who it engages and who it hurts. I hear more people in the community talking about never feeling so unsafe. I hear of children who are scared to go to the school bus stop because of the ongoing traffic to known drug houses. I hear of elders being coerced out money by family members who are looking to buy drugs. I hear of persons lives being threatened because of drug debts. This is the reality we are living in within our communities.
Mr. Speaker, the issue and impact of substance abuse in our communities, whether it be illicit drugs or alcohol, will not go away but that does not mean we give up and do nothing. I have constituents come into my office who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. I had known drug dealers attend my office who are addicts themselves and scared for their lives. All are looking for a way out but find that the resources needed are not there, not complete, and not immediate.
Mr. Speaker, we have no infrastructure or workable mechanisms in place to help those that are seeking detox support. They are told they need to be clean for 24 hours. They are told there are no available beds when they go to the hospital. They are told there are no trained addiction staff workers on the floor. They are told access to treatment facilities is weeks, and most likely months, away.
Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Minister of Health to make detox beds and qualified detox staff a priority, as I would rather visit my friends, relatives, and constituents at a detox or treatment centre than attend their funeral. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
