Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I wish to provide comments on a matter that has certainly caused considerable concern to myself and to my constituents in Fort Smith. Mr. Speaker, honourable Members of this House frequently speak about community concerns over the illegal use of alcohol and drugs in their constituency.

Mr. Speaker, I share those concerns and for some time have become increasingly troubled by the illegal activity, such as the increasing availability of illegal drugs. Mr. Speaker, on December 12, 1994, I met with two RCMP officials in my constituency office in Fort Smith for a general discussion of these concerns and the RCMP plans for addressing the increasing potential of illegal drug use. At the time, it was confirmed that from August 1993, there was a 58 per cent drop in the number of drug charges laid in Fort Smith in comparison to the previous years when the predecessor, Sergeant Gary Barnes, was the detachment commanding officer in Fort Smith. I would like at this time to commend Sergeant Gary Barnes for all his hard work and effort in addressing illegal drugs. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, he was so good he got promoted to Yellowknife.

However, Mr. Speaker, our meeting with the RCMP was very positive and several constructive solutions for proactive interventions were identified. Mr. Speaker, I was totally astounded when some four weeks later, a local news reporter indicated that he had been informed that the purpose of my meeting had been to provide the RCMP with a list of drug users and drug dealers in Fort Smith. I was even more astounded to learn that the source of this information had been the regional superintendent of Social Services.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say, in no uncertain terms, that this information was totally false. I have not compiled, disclosed or provided the RCMP with such a list. I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.