Is the N.W.T. in a mental health crisis? MLA, health minister at odds over the answer
CBC
Warning: This story includes discussion of suicide.
Is the Northwest Territories in the midst of a mental health crisis? The minister of Health and Social Services doesn't think so.
Minister Julie Green denied the assertion Wednesday, despite members of the Legislative Assembly pointing to the North's high suicide rates; reports of increasing family violence, drug overdoses and stressed out workers; and recent reports of children as young as 10 and 12 attempting to take their own lives.
The pandemic, suggested members for Great Slave, Hay River South and Kam Lake, twisted the knife in what was already a festering wound.
Members for Monfwi and Nunakput reminded the house that the Tłı̨chǫ and Beaufort Delta regions were wrestling with suicide, addictions and mental health problems long before the pandemic, and there has been no clear indication of improvement.
Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby spoke of children "as young as 10 and 12 years old" having recently attempted suicide, as well as a third young adult who was successful.
"Will the minister finally admit that we are in a mental health crisis here in the Northwest Territories, after two years of this pandemic?" she asked during question period.
The minister would not.
"I recognize that the pandemic has been incredibly stressful for almost everyone. It produced a lot of anxiety, depression, loneliness, especially for for people who live on their own, like elders," said Green.
Still, she said, the territory has been able to keep up with demand for mental health services throughout COVID-19.
"So I feel confident that we're not facing anything that we can't deal with," said Green.
But what would constitute a mental health crisis?
How many people struggling with addictions; how many extended absences from work, classes missed, nights in hospital or cells, suicides and suicide attempts; what barriers to timely and appropriate care, would qualify?
There is no set threshold for a "crisis."