Thank you, Madam Speaker and honourable Members. When we consider the development of the new legislation, we must ensure that we attempt to protect the community from the effect of these addictions. If that should mean restricting the hours by which operators may serve alcohol in the community, then the option to restrict these hours should be reflected in the legislation.
This may mean that the new legislation may have to include substantial increases to the authority of the community to make more decisions on how liquor should be distributed, when it should be distributed and to whom it may be distributed.
As well, Madam Speaker, the legislation must reflect the need of the Northwest Territories as a whole. One suggestion I have is that the Lord's Day, Sunday, be respected and free from the consumption and distribution of alcohol. I believe this should be expressly stated in the new legislation. One day per week free from alcohol and the damage that it produces can only help communities towards dealing with the effects of alcohol addiction.
Madam Speaker, the information on alcohol and drug addiction programs and services that we provide to the people of the north may not be enough. Awareness programs that are aimed at children will only have an impact if they have adult role models to emulate.
It is our responsibility as Members of the Legislative Assembly, as legislators, to assist and protect the public we serve. I strongly urge their support and input into the new liquor legislation and the legislative action paper that has been tabled, to help in ensuring more healthy and fit northern communities, as well as a stronger and more able future.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would, once again, like to commend the Minister, the Honourable Richard Nerysoo, who has proven the efforts his departments have taken to obtain public contribution in not only the development of the new liquor legislation, but also in providing the legislative action paper on the heritage resources and a discussion paper on the new Education Act for public input.
Through his actions, he has proven that the public of the north does have a voice that is heard in this House. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause