Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition supporting the matter of addictions treatment. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 287 handwritten signatures and 33 electronic signatures of Northwest Territories residents. Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request that the Government of the Northwest Territories create a local addictions treatment centre in Yellowknife, creating easily accessible vital care and support locally. This would be a great asset to our community and the surrounding communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. North Slave Correctional Centre Security Retrofit. We are still looking at this project. What is the status of it? Thank you.

There are, of course, a lot of discussion around a bricks-and-mortar facility. I know that, at this time, that is not really in the cards. That is what we have heard loud and clear. There is good evidence to support that. We are looking at the former Stanton Hospital site. Are there going to be any additional detox or aftercare programs operated through that lease once the new hospital opens?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. With the first round of calls to the National Trade Corridors funding from the Government of Canada, with this project not being included in that funding, where does this get us? We are putting the work into this study right now. Does the government believe that is going to get us any closer to success when we are looking for federal dollars? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today I spoke of a constituent of mine who undertook a tremendous amount of grassroots advocacy for local options for addictions treatment in the Northwest Territories. I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services if he can speak to the aftercare programs that the government is currently operating and in the process of reviewing. He has spoken about it on the floor in the House before, if he can give this House an update. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Under the "Taltson expansion, pre-construction," the amount is $200,000. Could the Minister just speak to what that entails? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The GNWT proposed that cannabis be sold only in existing liquor stores for at least two years, with all business conducted through the Northwest Territories Liquor Commission and all expenses and revenues flowing through the Liquor Revolving Fund. The GNWT's initial consultation revealed that "preferences for the retail sales system were mixed, with little over half of survey respondents supporting the liquor commission model and others wanting opportunities for private stores or dispensaries."

However, this is not consistent with public views expressed during our tour...

That is good to hear. I think it would be unfortunate if we had kind of a one-and-done approach to this issue, and fairness to employees of the public service is always first and foremost on my mind. Nothing further. Thank you.

Thank you, and I appreciate the Minister sharing some of my concerns, but at this point, the Minister believes that this appropriation is appropriate for this project? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations and the Standing Committee on Social Development have reviewed Bill 6, Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act, and wish to report that Bill 6 is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.