The NWT. still have to make efforts in their fight against addictions

The report (New window) tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday underscores that the government still has work to do to improve its addiction treatment services.

The territory has some of the highest addiction and substance use rates in Canadanotes the document.

According to figures compiled by the territorial government, while rates of smoking or binge drinking haven’t changed much in recent years, they were, respectively, about two times higher and one and a half times higher. than national averages.

The Office of the Auditor General finds that neither the Department of Health nor the jurisdictions have determined how to provide equitable access to addiction treatment services.

” It was unclear whether the variability of addictions services over time and across locations was part of the design of the health and social services system or whether it was due to gaps within it. this. »

One of the most significant aspects, the report also reads, is the lack of measures to ensure that addictions services offered to the Aboriginal population are culturally safe.

The controlled substance program, followed by public health professionals in the NWT, allows residents to reduce their alcohol consumption.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Mario De Ciccio

The report also highlights the lack of post-treatment follow-up for clients and the lack of data analysis to determine program effectiveness.

He also laments a lack of coordination of services between providers, which can sometimes prevent clients from having access to adequate resources.

Although the problem falls under the Department of Health and Social Services, the latter is supported in its task by three other administrations: the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Administration; the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority and the Tłįchǫ Community Services Agency.

Positives though

Despite the territory’s shortcomings, the report recognizes that the government and administrations have made some service improvements.

For example, the Department of Health and Social Services has established the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance on the health and social services system.

Another positive point, as of September 2020, there was no wait time for an initial appointment with a counselor in six of the seven regions offering health and social services.

Also, notes Edy Merheb of the Office of the Auditor General, the ministry and the administrations have adjusted some of their services during the pandemic. Among other things, they offered services by telephone, mainly by providing the technological tools to access them.

Aurora Village Healing Camp, which began as a shelter for homeless people during the pandemic, housed NWT residents struggling with addictions before closing in April 2022.

Photo: Travis Burke/CBC

Following its inventory, the Office of the Auditor General made seven recommendations, all of which were accepted by the authorities.

These relate in particular to the provision of equitable access to services to fight against addictions, the increase in cultural safety in services, the targeting of the needs of sub-populations or the establishment of a follow-up after treatment.

For Julie Green, the territory’s Minister of Health and Social Services, the report helps identify strengths and areas for improvement in government programs.

Improvement works are already underwayalso notes the minister in a press release.

She said she looks forward to discussing the detailed action plan with the Standing Committee on Government Operations.