Fort Simpson (Sep 26/03) - Drug and alcohol workers are currently in transition from First Nations' employees to territorial government staff.

Kathy Tsetso, chief executive officer for Deh Cho Health and Social Services, said the transfer will result in higher wages and better benefits for employees. The region will also gain more counselling positions, she noted.

But at least one First Nation has concerns about changes. Greg Nyuli, band manager for the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation in Fort Providence, said the band fears losing its influence in addictions programming. He claimed that's what happened when community health representatives (CHRs) were transferred to government control.

"Now, other than getting a paper report from (CHRs), we don't see them around. We don't have any authority, any jurisdiction over their positions," said Nyuli.

"My suggestion to (the Department of Health and Social Services) was they should consider some sort of mechanism so we can have some say in this whole thing."

Fort Providence is currently without addictions services within the community because its alcohol and drug worker started maternity leave last week.

"We're in a bind and we need some action," said Nyuli, who added that the band wants to fill the position themselves even though the transition to government is supposed to take effect as of Sept. 30.

Tsetso said Health and Social Services is advertising for a counsellor to fill the Fort Providence position on a casual basis. She said services can be provided by someone from Fort Simpson in the meantime.

"We knew there was going to be bumps but we don't want anybody to suffer," said Tsetso. "It shouldn't matter who runs (the program), the bottom line is we need to find the best service for the people."

The transition of addictions services to government control, a territorial-wide initiative, is needed because community workers were dissatisfied with their job conditions, according to Tsetso. She said existing workers will be hired by the government and will be given any additional training they require.

She added that the transfer will also result in the Deh Cho getting a clinical supervisor position and mental health counsellors, which it doesn't have now.