Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have an Aging in Place Strategy that we're following here in the Northwest Territories. Actually, in the previous Assembly, we had already agreed to go out and do some work to review homecare services in the Northwest Territories. That review is currently underway. Once that review is done, I have an opportunity to speak to committee on how we can actually enhance homecare services here in the Northwest Territories, whether it's through new programs or whether it's through modified programs, but it needs to focus on providing services in communities...

I’d need to confirm. The information I'm familiar with suggests that we will take ownership of that building in March 2017, at which point we will start moving into an official opening of the building. I don't believe a date has been determined, but I will talk to the CEO to see which date she is working on.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we need to look for any avenue to help us. Traditional procurement might be appropriate in some communities and regions; it may not be in others. Our minds need to be open to pretty much any option. The federal government is a potential other partner. In the previous government, I'd been asked whether or not we would be supportive of private businesses coming in and setting up longterm care facilities. This is something that we're supportive of. There's no reason somebody couldn't come in and start up a longterm care facility if they wanted. At the same...

We do have the Territorial Admissions Committee that actually helps us in focusing and prioritizing individuals, so individuals with higher needs can move up the list, but as I have indicated, we have a significant shortage of beds. Currently, I believe we're about 60 beds short here in the Northwest Territories, and that will be part of the 259 that we're going to be short by 2026. We're working with CAP, we're working with Avens on coming up with some solutions in the shortterm for Yellowknife. But this isn't just a Yellowknife problem. We've got problems in the Beaufort-Delta where we have...

One of the things we are attempting to do with this health transformation is remove some of the barriers that exist today as one individual moves from authority to authority to authority to get the different services. As we tighten up our services, come with more standard procedures, more standard guidelines, as well as clinical standards, we should be able to improve the turn-around and more importantly, the response and the care that our residents get.

 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for Seniors, I would like to recognize a couple of individuals in the gallery who represent different seniors' organizations here in the Northwest Territories: Ms. Barb Hood, who is the executive director of the NWT Seniors’ Society; Merlyn Williams, who is a member of the NWT Seniors’ Society; Stephen Jackson, who is the CEO of Avens; as well as Kim Doyle, the executive director of the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society. As a note, Ms. Hood and Mr. Williams and Mr. Jackson are also residents of the Great Slave riding, so welcome. I would also...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Bill 55, Mental Health Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize two people in the gallery today. First, Kieran Testart who is a resident of the Great Slave riding. Second, a long-time friend, more like family. He’s a source of wisdom; he’s a source of advice; he’s a creative conveyor of criticism when needed; he presided over my wedding to my amazing wife, Caroline; and he in fact introduced my parents, so you can kind of blame him for me. Mr. Speaker, in the gallery today, Dr. Ian Gilchrist. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled “Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services Assessment and Review of Withdrawal Management Services – Final Report – March 31, 2014.”

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On my right is Debbie DeLancey, the deputy minister of Health and Social Services. On my left, Thomas Dorian, who is legal counsel.