Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to comment on the Social Service's policy which requires people who work at community-based alcohol and drug counselling facilities to make a commitment to abstain from the use of intoxicants.
Mr. Speaker, I support this policy. I have supported it right from the outset. I was pleased when my honourable colleague for Thebacha introduced a policy near the end of her term as the Minister of Social Services. I was pleased when both Mr. Whitford and Mr. Patterson continued to recognize the importance of this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, I feel it is more important than ever before to ensure that the dollars we are spending on alcohol drug prevention programs are having a maximum impact. I believe one of the factors in maximizing these effects are the positive role models which are presented to community residents by a healthy outlook and a personal commitment shown by alcohol and drug workers to embrace a substance-free life-style.
Contrary to earlier concerns, I believe this policy has proved to be enforceable and it has not lowered the morale or hindered the recruitment of workers as some opponents previously suggested. I would urge our new Minister of Social Services, the Honourable Rebecca Mike, to ensure this sobriety initiative remains as a basic cornerstone of the Government of the Northwest Territories funding agreements with the alcohol and drug agencies throughout the Northwest Territories. In doing so, she will be supporting the progress that has been realized to date and continuing the trend that has made the Northwest Territories alcohol and drug programs a leader amongst provincial and territorial administrators. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.