Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am sure you are aware that 1994 has been declared international year of the family. By making this declaration, the United Nations wishes to encourage a celebration of the family. The Canadian government established the Canada Committee to make the Canadian public aware of issues regarding the family.
Madam Speaker, I have a strong concern for the well-being of families in the Northwest Territories, as do all of the Members of this Assembly. During the next year, all of us should work towards promoting and emphasizing the principle that strong, healthy families create a strong, healthy and productive society.
The Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories wrote to all Members of the Assembly on November 12, 1993, advising of their programs and plans for the next year. I would like to suggest that in February, during the Fifth Session of this Assembly, we identify one day in 1994 that will be a family day. Communities and organizations will be notified in advance so that planning for the family events such as feasts and sports events can take place.
Madam Speaker, I share what I have heard during this session from the Members and the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, the concern about the abuse of alcohol, drugs and solvents and the terrible consequences it has on our people. It is no secret that alcohol and drugs contribute to family violence and abuse and neglect of our children.
I want to recommend today that every Member here support steps in their communities to have New Year's Eve celebrated this year with family events that do not involve the use of intoxicants of any kind. Some provinces have started a program called First Night and I think it is a good time to kick off the international year of the family in the Northwest Territories by celebrating First Night in all of our communities in the company of children and our families.
Our alcohol and drug programs have worked hard for many years to come up with dry activities during the Christmas season. Staff in the Department of Social Services have notified all the alcohol and drug programs funded by the
department about the idea of First Night. Examples of First Night activities include camping and story telling, feasts, pot luck dinners and community breakfasts on New Year's Day. The Ruth Inch Pool in Yellowknife is advertising a non alcohol family swim on New Year's Eve. Your help, as leaders, is needed to promote participation in such events.
Madam Speaker, I am asking every Member, when they go home to their families and communities for this Christmas and New Year's season, to meet with your alcohol and drug program workers, your shelter workers, your band and hamlet leaders and take a leadership role in ensuring a safe, healthy Christmas season and New Year's Eve in your communities. Qujannamiik.