Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a reply to an oral question which was asked by Mr. Dent on February 24th regarding the assessment of FAS/FAE.

The national population health survey and national longitudinal survey of children were combined and carried out with approximately 1,500 households across the NWT over the past few months. Several survey questions related to the use and amounts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This information will provide an indication of the number of children who are at risk for FAS/FAE in the Northwest Territories. Although it will not provide us with the incidence of FAS/FAE, the survey will allow us to determine if further research into this area is necessary. In addition, those children identified as "at risk" through the survey will be followed up in subsequent surveys for assessment of developmental and behavioural problems. This has the potential to provide valuable information on the nature and severity of the problems faced by these children.

As part of the national survey, it will also give us a sense of how our situation compares to the other provinces. I expect the survey report this summer and I will provide a copy to all the Members.