Glen Abernethy

The Member is aware that we have processes that we utilize in this Assembly, including business planning, and that we have to have solid business cases if we are going to pursue or ask the Department of Finance and the FMB for additional resources. Currently, until we build that particular case, we are utilizing existing resources from the Department of Health and Social Services. We have identified staff to go and help the office meet their demand and provide work they are doing. All of this is helping us build a business case. We will be submitting the business case during the business...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, like I said, the first thing we have to do is figure out the pension cost of bringing the Hay River into the public service. I agree with the Member. This is something that's incredibly important. It's something that needs to be done. We're hoping to have that analysis done in time for the next round of budget discussions at the FMB level, and so before the next business planning I'll work with the Member. I'll keep the Member informed. I know that he's very interested in this area and, as soon as I know something, he'll know something. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we've really seen the benefits of pooling some of our resources as part of the On the Land Collaborative and getting larger, more comprehensive programs out there. I know Justice has been involved in different programs in the past. I'll absolutely endeavour to make sure that that information is shared both with the Minister and the deputy of Justice. Should they see an opportunity to come in and benefit from that collaboration, I'm sure they'll certainly explore it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we did have, I think, a fairly detailed public presentation on this area with the standing committee. Basically we're in the same position we were then. We need to get this budget approved, at this point we will begin to establish positions, get the job descriptions written, get them evaluated, and then pursue staffing. We are reaching out to schools right now to try to find people. If the schools have people who are qualified who are doing similar work now, we are certainly absolutely open to equivalencies. Hopefully we will get some of the existing people to...

We have the territorial risk manager, as I have indicated. We also have a territorial health information director or manager. At a local level, all employees are in fact custodians and have a responsibility under the Health Information Act. Ultimately, in every one of our regional offices, the COOs have the responsibility to ensure that all of their staff are properly trained and have a clear understanding of their obligations under the Health Information Act.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled “2017 Annual Report Public Utilities Board of the Northwest Territories." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, if that is the wish of committee, I'm certainly happy to explore that within the department to see what we can do within our existing legislation. I obviously want the Members to be comfortable with the information, but, more importantly, I want the public to be comfortable. So if that's the wish of committee, I'll certainly explore it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have that information at the tip of my tongue. I will get in touch with the department. We will provide that detail to the Member and committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I think the whole treatment methodology around addictions has continued to evolve over the years. Many years ago, it was believed that basically the 12-step program was one of the best sources, but we're starting to hear a lot more that there are other new approaches, more scientific, more medical-based systems that we need to be exploring. We're hoping and intending to explore this as we move forward with the next addictions recovery action plan. A number of years ago, the Member was correct, we had addiction counsellors in the community. Before my time, and certainly before the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a result of the mental health and addictions program that was held a number of years ago, what we heard clearly from the people across the Northwest Territories is that they want options, so we're trying to provide as many options and many alternatives for individuals to begin that healing journey as possible. At a community level in most of our communities, we have mental health and addictions counsellors or other counsellors who are available through NGOs and other partners. Thank goodness, they're out there. We have treatment facilities that are...