N.W.T. MLA calls on government to establish regional addiction treatment centres

A Hay River MLA is calling on the territorial government to establish permanent addiction treatment centres in the N.W.T. after two residents died from what was believed to be tainted drugs. 

Rocky Simpson, MLA for Hay River South, said Indigenous people across the territory are in support of creating regional addiction treatment centres with cultural programing.

There are currently no permanent addiction treatment centres in the N.W.T., meaning residents are forced to travel south for help.

Simpson said there are often long wait lists for southern treatment centres, and by the time the client is accepted, it can be too late. 

Jane Weyallon Armstrong, MLA for Monfwi, echoed this point, stating the lack of Indigenous perspective in counselling can also be detrimental. 

"We need addictions, recovery and mental health services that respond to our need as Tłı̨chǫ people," Weyallon Armstrong said. 

Simpson called on the territorial government to partner with Indigenous governments, community governments, non-profit service providers, residents and "most importantly" those living with addictions.

"Family members seeking help for loved ones and hearing their pleas are difficult, but necessary if we want to address the issue and to effect change. We need to hear their stories and we must not judge as they come to seek our support," Simpson said. 

He asked Julie Green, territorial health minister, if she would "commit to the establishment of treatment facilities starting in regional centres."

Green responded by saying the N.W.T. provides on-the-land funding so that communities can adapt the wellness treatment to the way that suits their community best. She said there are plans to build a wellness and recovery centre in Yellowknife in 2024, but no others are "on the books at this time."

Green said the current legislative assembly must determine whether building treatment centres to be a priority in order for plans to go ahead. 

Green added, brick and mortar northern treatment centres might not be the solution. 

"I also want to caution [Simpson] that having a northern treatment centre is no guarantee that there won't be wait lists," she said. 

Green referenced the former Nats Ejee Keh Treatment Centre on K'atl'odeeche First Nation — the last treatment centre in the N.W.T. that closed in 2013. She said when operational, it was never more than a third full.