Mr. Chairman, the reason I asked this was that last week there was some comment from Members regarding the department's commitment with respect to alcohol and drugs. In reviewing Hansard, the Minister indicated that it was one of the priorities of the department. I certainly hope, as the Minister, she ensures this particular issue is a priority for her department. I would like to explain why.
In 1987 there were only eight or nine programs which were funded by the alcohol and drug committee funding division, that is only eight or nine communities which were funded. The expansion to 38 communities was to indicate to the territories that there was a commitment on trying to address alcohol and drugs, along with the amount of alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which were built in the north. In 1991 there were 38 funded. Now being 1993, there are still 38 being funded. I think the Minister should take it as the comments not being directed at her but at the department, and their commitment as a department to ensure that the addressing of the alcohol and drug division is to be maintained by the department as a priority. Therefore, I would like to make those comments. That is the type of commitment a department makes when you see an increasing trend of how to address these alcohol and drug committees, and not a trend which is stagnant or stays at the same level as they have been in the past couple of years.
To say the department has a commitment, I would question whether there is a commitment. I do not believe there is a commitment by the department officials. However, I think this is why we have political people in there ensuring that the commitment of the House is adhered to. So, I would like to emphasize to the Minister that with concerns to addressing alcohol and drugs, and particularly the abuse with respect to the rehabilitation centre, must come under her direction to the department because obviously the officials will not do it. I felt it was critical to make this comment. Thank you.