Mr. Speaker, this past September the federal government discontinued its funding of the Adolescent Solvent Abuse Treatment Program, placing the operation of the program in jeopardy. The Department of Health and Social Services stepped in to allow the program to operate until the end of this fiscal year.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services will provide the necessary funding to continue to keep the Adolescent Solvent Abuse Treatment Program running. Not only will the program stay open, Mr. Speaker, but its scope can be broadened. Federal funding restrictions meant that the program had to target aboriginal youth with solvent abuse problems. Now, with the commitment of territorial government funding, Northern Addiction Services, who operate the program here in Yellowknife, will have the flexibility to include treatment of alcohol and drug abuse for aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth.
-- Applause