Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of health -- responsible for Health and Social Services. Can the Minister explain what steps the department is taking to expand on-the-land programming and ensure that these opportunities are available consistently throughout the year. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department administers two funds designed to support the delivery of community-based mental wellness and addiction recovery program, and the suicide prevention program. So these funds are application-based for Indigenous governments, Indigenous communities, NGOs, to apply to provide programming. And through the program that they provide, this is part of the work that was done with the Council of Leaders that the -- we don't -- they decide how they spend those monies within their community and on the land or however they choose to provide those programs in their community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that elders play a critical role in guiding people through healing, cultural learning, and reconnection. Can the Minister outline how the department is supporting elders' participation in on-the-land programs, including proper compensation, coordination, and recognition of their knowledge. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations determine their own priorities and programming. They engage with elders and other community knowledge holders as they see fit, and the fund allows for communities to compensate elders for their service. We, you know -- we've heard from Indigenous leaders that they want to be doing these types of programs themselves in the communities and that, you know -- so we're just providing the funding to them to allow them to do this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from the Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, communities often tell us that short-term or uncertain funding makes it difficult to design consistent impactful on-the-land programs. Will the Minister commit to establishing longer term predictable funding arrangements so that communities can plan, deliver, and sustain on-the-land healing programs for individuals at risk of substance use? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mental wellness and recovery fund, we have many groups. I believe the Deh Cho also are in a multi-year funding Access This funding and have a multi-year agreement. Many of our Indigenous groups do have multi-year agreements as that fund is eligible for multi-year agreements. The suicide prevention fund, however, is a smaller amount, and so, you know, communities, based on their need, they may come forward if they've had different scenarios. So that one is an annual application. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Monfwi.
