Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I got a little excited when I heard the King was going to be here, because I have issues with him about the treaties.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories faces addiction crisis that is affecting our young and young adults. These are young Indigenous men and women who are the future. I hear from my younger constituents all the time that they want to stay in the North to improve their communities and revitalize their culture. It is a shame that some of these young adults are impacted by the drug crisis, but they are always trying their best to fight back and become healthy again. And when they return to good health, I know they are ready to build a brighter future for themselves and their family and the community.
Unfortunately, many who have succeeded in battling addictions are still not coming back, and they have no choice. They were thankful for support for health and social services to seek treatment, but when they return to the North they find little aftercare they need at a vulnerable time in their lives. Instead, they are back surrounded by the terrible influences this drug crisis has inflicted on their communities with no end in sight. Then they are forced to choose between their health and the community and so many head back down south to be closer to support they need.
This lack of aftercare is affecting my constituents of all ages. Furthermore, not all of them necessarily need to leave to treatment in British Columbia or Alberta. We need to have a treatment option in the Northwest Territories, especially culturally-appropriate and on the land.
The Minister has done some good work already, but my constituents are asking for more resources. I hope that health and social services can work closely with Indigenous governments to improve treatment and aftercare in the North. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
