Denny Rodgers

So can the Minister confirm that that option was looked at, sorry.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, Mr. Chair, I note in here that there's been no recommendation of any cuts at the senior bureaucratic level for this department, just at the corrections facility in Fort Smith. And given that it is low and if things are as, my colleague from the Sahtu said, improving, are there any considerations for potentially then having some of those positions that are currently in Yellowknife cut as well?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the committee wishes to consider Tabled Document 93-20(1), 2024-2025 Main Estimates, and consideration of the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Services. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, all my colleagues are aware of the impact of a range of mental health and substance abuse challenges occurring in our NWT communities. The affects that toxic drugs are having as well as addressing the affects of trauma on our residents are well known.

Mr. Speaker, I want to share a good news story from my home community on an Indigenous government led initiative to provide support for people.

Mr. Speaker, I'm speaking of the Gwich'in Wellness Camp. For years, the camp was operated to provide on-the-land programming. Well over a decade ago, the operating costs...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And, again, thank the Minister for her answer. And I must say I was quite impressed as well when she didn't even flinch when I mentioned that the two other programs will dovetail nicely into her new aftercare facility she's building in Inuvik next year. So it's a good sign.

No, that's all from me, Mr. Chair. I realize that, you know, we also have a CT scan in there. I know we're going to have a conversation around that, but. So I have no further questions, just to say thank you and keep it up. It's not easy.

That's me. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, first of all, I thank the Minister and her staff. Monumental task. Huge department. Appreciate the work you guys are doing.

You know I've been an advocate for -- obviously for addictions, mainly for aftercare, and I'll certainly be speaking with the Minister on that come capital budget time and be prepared for that. But I know for now -- I know as I spoke to in my Member's statement today, the Gwich'in have built a wellness centre, are working -- having the wellness centre that they're working on using for trauma and for different addictions. We know...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that this committee defer further consideration of the main estimates for the Department of Justice at this time. Thank you.

Thank you. Nothing further, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Yes, it just makes sense to me if we're losing that portion of a department, then likely there's less work the department needs to do.

My other question, Mr. Chair, is that is there any consideration given the -- I mean, the opportunity to work in this, certainly in this field, or to work in general in Fort Smith, likely not as robust as in the capital city, was there any consideration given to potentially closing a couple of wings in the Yellowknife facility and keeping the Fort Smith open and given there may be easier then for either a transfer of jobs for the people affected here...

Thank you. And that is, indeed, excellent news, and I'm sure it's excellent news for those that have been struggling with our medical travel system for the past several years. Just, again, a final question. I mean, likely it's a redundant question given how this government has now been approaching what we do, but she will be engaging and consulting with all Indigenous governments on this plan, I assume? Thank you.