Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member for Hay River, Mrs. Groenewegen, asked a question with regard to the subsidization policy on alcohol in the Northwest Territories on February 14, 1996.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories does not subsidize any of the costs associated with the transportation or distribution of liquor.

The retail price of liquor sold in communities varies, depending on what it actually costs to transport and distribute the liquor to that community.

For example, the same case of 12 bottles of a well-known brand of domestic beer would sell for $20.15 in Inuvik, for $18.05 in Hay River and for $21.55 in Iqaluit. These retail prices include the cost of the product itself, as well as transportation costs, distribution costs, bottle deposit fees, administrative costs and a flat mark-up for government revenue.

The government is very aware of the very legitimate concerns outlined in the preamble to the honourable Member's question, with respect to social cost associated with the abuse of liquor products. The NWT Liquor Commission is committed to ensuring that its procedures and policies for the distribution and sale of liquor do not encourage the irresponsible or illegal use of alcoholic beverages in any way. As always, we would be pleased to receive input from honourable Members and from the northern public on ways in which our liquor control system can be improved. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.