Mahsi, Madam Speaker. (Translation) I will be saying this in my own language. This week is Alcohol and Drug Awareness Week. People all over the NWT will be doing things to bring attention to the problems or the cause of alcohol and drug abuse. There are many problems that go along with this addiction. Many people have become aware of alcohol and drug addiction in so many different ways. Many people know they have a problem with alcohol and drugs, but are unable to stop. There are people who have stopped using alcohol and drugs.
Some people are trained now in the north to help people with addictions. Centres have now been built by the government to house programs on alcohol and drug addictions. I know a lot of people have gone for treatment. Still, there is a need...(Translation ends)
...died from alcohol abuse by drinking gas line anti-freeze. Just recently, three more people died in the community of Sachs Harbour from drinking ethyl alcohol. These are people who should be aware of the dangers of the abuse of alcohol. Yet, in this day and age, we still have it. So, this awareness week is a good week to bring these types of problems to the attention of our people.
Last summer, the Deh Cho First Nations declared the year to be dedicated to community healing. The leaders of Deh Cho realized and recognized that healing is necessary to have strong communities. We need strong communities to deal collectively with the challenges we have before us in the north.
Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.