Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for alcohol and drug services, I wish to remind the Members of this Assembly that this is National Addictions Awareness Week.
As each of us knows all too well, alcoholism is a major concern in our society. It is at the root of many of our social problems, and causes untold suffering not just to the individuals afflicted, but also their children, their spouses and their families. Throughout this week, people throughout the Northwest Territories are participating in activities that educate us about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Through you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues in this Assembly to continue active participation in this week's events. People look to us for leadership and we have a responsibility as elected representatives to act as good role models. This week provides us with an ideal opportunity to show our support for our community alcohol and drug workers and the many others who are involved in combatting alcohol and drug abuse.
To demonstrate this support, I would like to invite my colleagues, through you, Mr. Speaker, to join me in welcoming to this Assembly later today those people who are participating in the national walk for sobriety. This walk will begin at the Dene Nation headquarters at 1:30 pm and is expected to arrive here at our new Legislative Assembly building at approximately 2:00 pm. By joining me in this event, we will be demonstrating to the people of the Northwest Territories a strong and unified commitment to resolving this devastating social and medical problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause