(YELLOWKNIFE) Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – Members of the Standing Committee on Social Development, chaired by Mr. Shane Thompson, will join the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Glen Abernethy, on a study tour of addictions facilities in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and Calgary and St. Albert, Alberta from December 4-8, 2017.

There are clear links between addictions and mental health in the NWT, with alcohol and drugs often involved in residents’ mental health hospitalizations. Harms caused by alcohol consumption and growing community concerns regarding fentanyl use also weigh on Northerners’ minds. This tour will give Members a better understanding of the experience of NWT residents in treatment and recovery.

“Improving addictions and mental health services for our residents is a key Committee priority, and this tour will allow us to gather first-hand information from those working with Northerners on the front line,” says Mr. Thompson. “We’re particularly interested in these facilities’ treatment options for Northerners, including unique programming for Indigenous residents, as well as after-care and post-treatment supports and best practices. We look forward to applying what we learn in our work with the Minister on a territorial Addictions Recovery Action Plan.”

Committee members will visit the Edgewood Treatment Centre and Guthrie House in Nanaimo, Fresh Start Recovery and the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Woman With Addictions in Calgary, and Poundmaker’s Lodge in St. Albert. With the exception of Guthrie House, a residential treatment program within the British Columbia Justice System, each facility is open to Northerners through the territorial healthcare system.

For further information, please contact:

Danielle Mager
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Tel: (867) 767-9130 ext. 12017
Fax: (867) 920-735
E-mail: danielle_mager@gov.nt.ca