Legislative Assembly briefs
Tough luck finding sobering centre space
Kirsten Fenn
Northern News Services
Friday, February 17, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The territorial government is struggling to find space for a downtown sobering centre after looking at as many as 12 different properties to no avail.
Glen abernethy: Health and Social Services minister says sobering centre might have to temporarily go in non-central location due to challenges finding downtown space. - |
"We're frustrated by the fact that it's taking a little longer than anticipated," said Health and Social Services Minister Glen Abernethy Wednesday following questions from Yellowknife North MLA Cory Vanthuyne.
Abernethy said the department is considering looking outside the downtown core for now, until something permanent can be found downtown.
"This has got to happen," Abernethy said. "We've got to find a way."
While the day shelter is supposed to be relocated and the GNWT had hoped to bring it under the same roof as the sobering centre, Abernethy said the two facilities may have to be in separate spaces in the short-term. He added the City of Yellowknife has submitted an application to the federal government to fund an alcohol management program, something he stressed must be "thoroughly, properly managed."
Wait continues for 911
Implementing a basic 911 service across the NWT could take another year and a half, according to Caroline Cochrane, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
"Our goal is to implement the system in all communities as quickly as possible," she said Wednesday. "While our road map does not recommend a phased-in approach, careful consideration will be given to that possibility if it makes sense."
Cochrane said she plans to discuss a draft implementation plan for 911 with the Standing Committee on Government Operations in the next few weeks.
The Yellowknife Fire Division remains a likely option for the location of a 911 call centre, she said, although the GNWT will still reach out to other communities before making that decision. New territorial legislation will have to be implemented to manage the system, which will operate on a cost-recovery basis, Cochrane said.
"This means monthly fees to fund the ongoing operations of 911 after implementation will appear on the phone bills of our residents," she said.
MLAs question Aurora College cuts
Concerned MLAs continue to question how cuts to Aurora College's social work and education programs jive with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to improve aboriginal education.
"If we are going to build our territory, we must invest in the North and keep our education programs and infrastructure strong," said Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Tom Beaulieu, who suggested Wednesday the programs be fixed instead of terminated. "Sending our students and education resources south ... is a step backwards into the darker days of the last century," Beaulieu said.
But Education, Culture and Employment Minister Alfred Moses said students from kindergarten to Grade 12 receive cultural education on the North and learn about residential schools, for example. Teachers also participate in cultural orientation days, he said. He said the decision to cut the two college programs was "evidence-based." Over the last three years, Moses said, an average of 29 students enrolled in Aurora College's education program while seven graduated.
"There are times that we have to make hard decisions based on the fiscal situation that we're currently in," he said.
MLAs defer decision on health budget
A motion was carried Wednesday to defer a final decision on the Department of Health and Social Services 2017-18 budget, after MLAs began reviewing the numbers last Thursday.
Recapping the discussions, Yellowknife Centre MLA Julie Green said regular members wanted to see more investment in things like homecare, an anti-poverty fund, and resources for dealing with youth mental health and addictions. Altogether, those requests would add up to about $2.5 million, Green said.
"I appreciate all the comments and suggestions I've received over the last two days," said Health and Social Services Minister Glen Abernethy, pointing to the particular need for homecare and mental health supports.
While he said he isn't opposed to requesting supplementary funding, he feels those things will have to wait.
"The next budget is the more appropriate place to make those investments moving forward," Abernethy said.
The assembly is now reviewing the budget for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Dettah to host on-the-land summit
Dettah will host a pan-territorial on-the-land summit next month, Health and Social Services Minister Glen Abernethy announced Wednesday in the legislative assembly.
The event will be held from March 14 to 16, according to department spokesperson Damien Healy. Abernethy said the event is part of the GNWT's commitment to on-the-land programs, which have been shown to have positive effects on the physical and mental health of indigenous peoples.
"We know that there is a large disparity between health and social outcomes of indigenous people and other Canadians," Abernethy said. "This summit is an important venue that provides an opportunity for all of us to learn from one another, showcase and celebrate the innovation and successes demonstrated by land-based programs across the North, and continue our collective efforts to support connection to land and culture as an investment in the well-being of our residents and communities."
Land-based experts from across the North will come together for the three-day summit to "explore the themes of healing, culture, guardianship, collaboration and evaluation," Abernethy said.
