I have a return asked by Mr. Antoine on November 24, 1993, on alcohol and drug policies. Mr. Speaker, the department takes, very seriously, the views and recommendations coming out of the various conferences on alcohol and drugs held over the years.
The 1984 Fort Churchill conference Mr. Antoine referred to was an important milestone, in terms of providing input into the development of the alcohol and drug programs.
However, the program has evolved since that time. For example, the June, 1987, document entitled, A Model for the Development of Alcohol and Drugs Services in the Northwest Territories, which was tabled and discussed in the Legislative Assembly, provided the basis for further development.
The department is now in the process of completing an overall strategic plan. One of the major components of that plan will be a strategy to address alcohol and drug addictions. The alcohol and drug workers' conference, held in Yellowknife in March of 1993, marked the beginning of this process.
The recommendations coming out of that conference, the information and ideas generated at the solvent abuse conference held last week, together with the results of consultations that are now under way, will guide the final drafting of the strategy. This plan is expected to be completed in the fall of 1994.