N.W.T. MLAs call for more addictions treatment

Addictions are a big issue in the Northwest Territories, and that has sparked a debate in the legislature about how to best tackle the problem.

The member of the legislative assembly for Yellowknife Centre, Robert Hawkins, is demanding that the government build a detox centre.

Smoking rates are twice the national average in the Northwest Territories, and at 32 per cent, so is the rate of people who report drinking heavily.

Hawkins said statistics also show that one in four people have experimented with heavy drugs. He said a treatment centre is the best way to battle addictions.

"Although it would be nice to have one here in Yellowknife, the fact is if you're behind this issue, which means you want to support this issue, a territorial treatment centre could happen in any region in the N.W.T. It doesn't have to happen here," he said.

But Health Minister Tom Beaulieu says the territory doesnt need another treatment centre. He said the treatment centre in Hay River, N.W.T., is only half full.

"For some reason or another it's not being used. The department has gone out and talked to the people and the people are saying what we need is on-the-land treatment," he said.

Ellen Smith, who works with the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, is happy to hear that.

"I'd like on-the-land programs for us to learn our culture, to be proud of who we are. However, at the same time some individuals can't go there. They prefer to go to southern-style treatment programs and that we need to consider that as well," she said.

The debate continued in the legislature Wednesday, with Hawkins and Beaulieu facing off over the effectiveness of on-the-land treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and the amount of money spent to treat addictions in the territory.