A ‘CRUCIAL’ FACILITY
Health centre for Lac La Ronge
Construction is expected to start soon on a new $16.1-million health and wellness facility for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Chief Tammy Cook-searson has been calling on the federal and Saskatchewan governments to fund the centre for years, saying it’s crucial for helping people in the community who struggle with addictions and mental health issues.
There’s a short-term detox centre at the La Ronge health centre, but Cook-searson has argued that something longer term is needed. At present, people who need that kind of help either go south to facilities in Prince Albert or Saskatoon or simply don’t get support.
On Thursday, representatives from the federal and provincial governments announced they will provide funding for the centre. The federal government has committed $11.6 million, the province $2.5 million and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band $2 million.
When built, the Lac La Ronge Wellness, Healing and Recovery Centre will have 10 beds and a remote community program of mini lodges to allow people to transition out of care. Clients will have access to counsellors, mental health workers and traditional healing practices.
In a news release, Cook-searson said the centre will be a “crucial solution to our need for better access to health and addiction services and one that will be key in helping our communities in need to reach their full potential and, ultimately, achieve a better quality of life.”
Cook-searson — who recently announced her intention to seek the Liberal nomination in the Desnethe-missinippi-churchill River constituency ahead of this year’s federal election — has previously said a health and wellness facility would cost $17 million. Band spokeswoman Tina Pelletier said $16.1 million will be enough to pay for construction of the centre, but will not cover operational costs.
Pelletier said it has not yet been determined when construction on the centre will begin. Cook-searson has said before that construction could begin as soon as funding is confirmed.