Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the lack of response in Fort Providence to the activities held during the alcohol and drug awareness week.

The whole purpose of this week of activities was to increase the community's awareness of alcohol problems and perhaps to refrain from drinking and reflect upon our own circumstances.

On Friday night, there was to be an alcohol-free dance held in the community but, unfortunately, this had to be cancelled due to the unforeseen ferry shutdown. The community barbecue on Tuesday was very successful with lots of children participating. As a matter of fact, they just about ran out of food it was so successful.

However, Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my disappointment about the attendance at the community feast on Saturday night. It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that the majority of drinkers in Fort Providence chose to continue drinking rather than refrain for that one day. In fact, Mr. Speaker, there was a large turnout of children who attended the feast without their parents. It embarrasses me, Mr. Speaker, that the parents or grandparents could not stop drinking for this one day to set a good example for their children. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I am angry about the lack of response by the community to stop drinking and the fact that people would not take the opportunity to re-evaluate their life-style for this one little week.

We do not ask much of the community. Has booze become so important to these people that they are not willing to compromise even a little?

Mr. Speaker, I'm very disappointed that every time I go to an alcohol-free event I end up seeing the same people who I see at mass the following Sunday. As Dene people, what is the first priority? Is it booze or our children? Our duty first and foremost, our sacred trust, is to our children, to provide for their care and education. Secondly, we as parents must try to set a good example for our children and live life responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, I have a message for the residents of Fort Providence. The Members of the community...