Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to inform this House of celebrations occurring during this National Addiction Awareness Week in Iqaluit to mark the official opening of Upassuraakut Iqaluit's new alcohol and drug
counselling service. On Monday about 250 people attended the official opening to feast and to hear the music of "Night Sun". Presentations were made to many businesses and individuals who contributed to the establishment of Upassuraakut. The counselling staff was introduced. A message was read from the Honourable Tony Whitford who initiated funding from the new group when he was Minister of Social Services, for which we are grateful, and from myself, as M.L.A., assuring Upassuraakut of my ongoing support for their important work.
Messages of congratulations were also received from St. Joseph's Hospital in Elliot Lake, Northern Addictions Services in Yellowknife, from Amethyst House Women's Addictions Centre in Ottawa and from Bellwood in Toronto, organizations with which Upassuraakut has close working relations. It was also announced that Dr. Gordon and Linda Bell of Bellwood will visit Iqaluit in early December to assist Upassuraakut in setting up an after care program.
Later the qammaq, traditional sod house, which was built at the centre by Geosa Uniuqsaraq was dedicated with the lighting of qulliq, carved by Nouveyea Ipeelie, and donated by the Iqaluit Co-op. Alicy Joamie lit the qulliq and spoke of the role of elders and the importance of the land and traditional values in recovery. Last night there was an evening of dancing, feasting and celebrations at the parish hall.
Workshops and other awareness events are also planned for all schools and the Arctic College. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joe Kunuk, Chair of Uppassuraakut, his dedicated board and staff, and many supporters and volunteers in the community for their achievement in getting this vital new service off the ground. I wish them every success. Qujannamiik.
---Applause