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SOBERING CENTRE: Hughie Graham, MLA Candidate for Range Lake answer's Yellowknifer's question

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Hughie Graham, MLA Candidate for Range Lake
Hughie Graham, MLA Candidate for Range Lake

(PUBLISHER’S NOTE: All the MLA candidates were asked to comment on the best way forward for the sobering centre in Yellowknife. Go here to see the full question and context.)

Convincing the bureaucracy is one of those critical items that needs to be tackled. As I've been door knocking, I'm hearing a number of programs in areas have had funding cancelled. The Healing Drum Society working with inmates at the North Slave Correctional Facility in a cultural program and the New Day Program changes due to the last contract award are examples of where we can do better. 

If we do not attempt to solve root problems, we continue to fail our residents. Addictions, inter-generational trauma from residential schools, mental health and physical health are some of the root causes we are ignoring. Our Indigenous partners, federal government, territorial government and NGOs all have a part to play. Let's bring all partners to the table in a meaningful way and get working on it.

A wholesome discussion needs to happen with departments and they need to work together as a lot of this work overlaps. This starts at the top with leadership.