Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the citizens of Iqaluit are very concerned about smuggling and trafficking in alcohol and drugs and related crimes in their community. But, Iqaluit is not alone. If we took a close look, we would find that every one of our communities has these kinds of problems and young people are often the first victims.

Today, I wish to commend the people of Iqaluit for having the courage and convictions to actually do something about these problems. This spring, local citizens became outraged about criminal acts they believed were associated with a certain pool hall and video arcade and the homes of some of its proprietors. Citizens became concerned that the establishment and people associated with its operation were engaged in trafficking of alcohol and drugs, sexual exploitation of minors

and other crimes including intimidation, threats, assaults and mischief.

Early in July, several parents took matters into their own hands and entered a local residence to rescue their juvenile daughters. That event resulted in a spontaneous protest of about 45 peaceful but angry citizens at the local arcade. The following weekend, a peaceful rally which ended up at the same location attracted some 500 local citizens, Inuit and non-Inuit alike, including many young people. And this in the middle of summer.

Madam Speaker, I have not seen such a unanimous outpouring of public concern since the citizens' movement forced the closure to over-the-counter sales at the Iqaluit liquor store in 1976. I am proud of the citizens of Iqaluit for so strongly pressing for actions against a small minority of people from the south who were preying on the vulnerable youth of Iqaluit. It is especially inspiring that the citizens' committee achieved immediate results. The arcade was promptly closed. One of the proprietors was evicted by a local landlord, and shortly after left town.

I applaud the actions and concerns of this citizens' group. Actions and concern like this are essential if the police are to do their jobs with the limited resources they have in Iqaluit. For my part, I will be encouraging our Minister of Justice...