SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Health Minister Glen Abernethy was on his feet most of the day Feb. 18 as MLAs enthusiastically took on the theme of mental health in the legislative assembly.
"I'd like to challenge all the MLAs to actually take the Mental Health First Aid," Abernethy responded to questions of mental health services in communities.
"I'd also like to challenge the MLAs to have their (constituency assistants) take Mental Health First Aid because it's a program that helps individuals become aware and conscious of mental health issues that people have and helps direct them to where they can get resources."
One after another, seven MLAs spoke of the need for better mental health support in the territory.
Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen spoke about her own experiences and challenges in finding support for depression. She also said there is currently a three-to-four month waiting period to see a counsellor in Hay River.
Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya connected mental health issues to the residential school experience, suggesting a "made-in-the-North solution" was necessary to support those that suffer.
The NWT Mental Health Act is currently under revision and Abernethy said he hoped to have it tabled in the fall session and passed early on by the 18th Legislative Assembly.
Morel support heard in House
The government is seeing the silver lining in the extreme fire season, expecting an abundance of morel mushrooms.
"We saw evidence of the economic potential of this resource last summer, when residents in the Deh Cho, working with southern buyers, realized an estimated $750,000 from the harvest of morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity," said David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
"If this year's harvest meets expectations, it could be worth as much as 10 times that amount for residents in communities around Great Slave Lake."
With a bumper crop expected, Deh Cho MLA Michael Nadli warned the GNWT to be prepared. He questioned Ramsay about hosting information sessions in communities on morel harvesting and providing support for residents to take advantage of the crop.
Ramsay said information booklets are being prepared, one giving general information, and others that are area-specific; providing emergency contacts and maps of the burned areas, and directions on morel harvesting and selling.
In the North Slave, he said that booklet would also give information on the Tlicho Final Agreement, so harvesters can get the required authorization before heading on to the land.
MLA encouraged by on-the-land programs for healing
Getting back to basics and getting out on the land is becoming a priority of the Department of Health and Social Services, according at least one MLA.
"Finally, we are returning to this much needed land-based aboriginal cultural healing environment," said Kevin Menicoche, Nahendeh MLA in his Feb. 18 member's statement.
A day earlier, Health Minister Glen Abernethy spoke about three pilot projects his department has hosted in the Tlicho, Inuvialuit and Akaitcho regions as part of addictions programs.
"This is an exciting approach to treatment and healing, and demonstrates this government's commitment to providing residents with innovative mental health and addictions services that support them on their path to wellness," he said.
In his own region, Menicoche spoke about the success of the Six Mile Creek on-the-land program that addresses drug and alcohol abuse among youth.
"I think the most important issue is about getting back on the land and back to our roots," said Menicoche.
"We live in a highly modern and stressful world. The programming supports and approved projects will give clients and participants time away from it all and concentrate on their recovery and mental health."
Junior kindergarten keeps MLAs questioning
The decision to stop the junior kindergarten roll-out in October was brought up again by a Yellowknife MLA on Feb. 19, receiving a "hear hear" in the house.
With attention on Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jackson Lafferty, Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro asked what response the department received from the 23 communities who had already begun the rollout and given the option to withdraw.
"Some communities decided to opt out," said Lafferty.
"Out of 23, 19 communities decided to continue with (junior kindergarten)."
With no additional junior kindergarten programs being offered, Bisaro questioned whether further cuts would be necessary to school budgets.
"My feeling is, the department has the money needed to run junior kindergarten," said Bisaro.
"Can education authorities expect any further contribution reductions for junior kindergarten implementation in their school year 15-16?"
Lafferty said the $1.8 million cost of implementing junior kindergarten has been dedicated.
"With it downsized from 19 to 18 (programs), there is a small reduction that's also going back to school boards," said Lafferty.
"On Oct. 30, the decision was made by this house, using existing funds that we've allocated, so we will continue to go with that process for next year."
