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Members' Handbook

MEMBER'S ASSISTANCE PLAN

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140. MEMBER'S ASSISTANCE PLAN

The job of an MLA brings with it new pressures and stress for Members and their families. Removal from traditional community support and increased public scrutiny, responsibility and time pressures can all have a personal effect on Members and their families. The Board of Management recognizes that some Members may need additional support and therefore, offers to all Members the Members’ Assistance Plan (MAP.). The Members’ Assistance Plan is confidential, based on the needs of Members and voluntary.

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140.1 USING THE PLAN

Members and their immediate families (spouses or dependent children) can use the plan.

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The plan can be accessed at any time during the life of the Assembly.

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The costs of services provided through the plan are paid by the Legislative Assembly.

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A Member can access trained counselors for themselves or a family member by calling the 24-hour toll free number: 1-800-387-4765. Calls are accepted from anywhere in the NWT. Callers will be connected to a qualified counselor where they will be asked a few questions and referred to a designated counselor for the Shepell.fgi Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

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Within 48 hours, a counselor will contact the individual to set up an appointment. The appointment will be scheduled within 3 to 5 working days or, in cases deemed to be an emergency, contact is made by a trained counselor as quickly as possible.

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All communication and records are kept strictly confidential. Information can only be released with verbal or written consent of the individual or by a court order. In cases where children are at risk of harm, counselors are required to notify appropriate authorities.

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Should the Member or family member not feel comfortable using the services provided by the Governments’ EFAP, the Member should contact the Clerk.

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The Clerk will refer the Member to a qualified counselor who will be engaged by the Legislative Assembly to ensure the Member receives the appropriate assistance or is further referred.

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Former Members are eligible to access this program for up to one year after leaving the Legislative Assembly.

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140.2 AREAS COVERED BY THE PLAN

The Members’ Assistance Plan assists Members and their immediate families with personal difficulties such as:

  • couple and family relationships;

  • stress;

  • grieving;

  • substance abuse;

  • gambling;

  • depression;

  • violent behaviour;

  • suicidal feelings;

  • parental or personal anger; and

  • family violence.

 

The plan is not limited to these issues.

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140.3 CONFIDENTIALITY

All information regarding Members accessing the plan is kept in the strictest confidence. Information regarding the identity of Members who have accessed the plan or the reasons for access will not be released to anyone, including the Board of Management.

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