Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of attention is being paid to the issue of violence in Yellowknife's downtown core. The public perception is that crime is on the rise. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say that is not so and are able to support that position and statement. But more and more people are paying attention to the problem, and a number of Yellowknife citizens, agencies and businesses are expressing concern and getting involved to solve the problem.

The RCMP are doing what they can with more visibility and presence on the streets. A late night drive around town proves that. There seems to be a police car at every corner. The city also has a role to play. It could, for instance, improve lighting in some parts of downtown and possibly deploy by-law enforcement officers during weekend closing hours of bars. The city's Works and Public Safety Committee has held meetings to discuss the pros and cons of a curfew by-law and another meeting of that committee is planned for October 16th.

This issue requires the attention of all citizens, and we, in the territorial government, also have a role to play. I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that a lot of the problems stem from alcohol consumption. The Government of the Northwest Territories controls liquor licensing and inspection. My question is, are we doing enough in that area? I am told enforcement of existing liquor laws is weak. I feel our inspectors should have a more visible presence and clamp down on liquor violations. Licensed establishments agree to play by our rules when they are granted a license, but if no one is around to enforce the rules, who is to say those rules are observed all the time? Inspectors doing their jobs more vigorously would cut down on excessive drinking and making sure existing laws are enforced and would also send a message that this government would not tolerate violence, especially that provoked by alcohol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.