Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to join the Minister of Social Services in commending the efforts of Northern Addictions Services and the program committee for taking the initiative in putting together such an important and innovative conference. Mr. Speaker, we are all too aware of the effect substance abuse has on all of our people in our society in the north. Just today, I was listening to the radio and there was a very dedicated lady talking about the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome/fetal alcohol effects on young people and how much of an effort it is to work with young people who have been affected, through no fault of their own, in daily living. The alarming thing, Mr. Speaker, is what is going to be happening 20 years down the road when these young people become adults and are attempting to join our society. If it is difficult for them now, it is going to be even more difficult then to cope with daily living. We, as a society, have to take heed of this problem affecting those children who are not even born, by encouraging people to drink responsibly. Mr. Speaker, even further than that, in concluding the remarks that the Minister had made, I think we have to go a little bit further than just saying nice things about having conferences and saying nice things about the dedicated workers.
I think we have to show our full support by ensuring that they receive a salary and wage that can help them to continue in the line of work they've chosen, that is comparable to other occupations. We not only have to say nice things about them and encourage them but we have to be able to accommodate them financially as well so that they can continue in this important field.
---Applause