Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. On October 18th, I asked the Minister about the status of the baseline study on fetal alcohol syndrome or FAS. This baseline study was recommended by the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. In her response, the Minister indicated that while the recommendation was given consideration, the department decided against doing this baseline study, and that the NWT bureau of statistics will take part in the national population health survey that will gather information of a general nature.

I believe that early intervention is important in helping children with disorders, including those affected by fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects to become more self-sufficient. People in the communities need true and fast action on this decision, Madam Speaker. Will the Minister reconsider the decision of the Department of Health and Social Services so that a baseline study such as recommended by the Special Committee on Health and Social Services be carried out as bureaucratically as possible? Thank you.