Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past three years there have been several Members of this Legislative Assembly make statements and ask questions on the issue of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect. Like myself, colleagues have attempted to raise awareness of this serious affliction, which has affected so many people in the north. Questions have been asked on what can be done to stop this affliction from continuing to spread throughout the population.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of this House and the public a very important presentation that is to take place this Thursday evening at 7:

30 pm in the auditorium of Northern United Place. On Thursday evening, the public will have an opportunity to hear a presentation and a panel discussion on the subject of FAS/FAE. This event has been arranged through members of the FAS community team, who receive funding from the City of Yellowknife to bring a specialist on FAS to the north to conduct workshops over a period of two days in Yellowknife, as well as to Fort Rae, Lutselk'e, Detah and N'dilo.

I would urge my fellow Members to take the time to attend this presentation on Thursday evening. We must learn all we can on the issue of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and assist in making progress in reducing that problem. As legislators, we are responsible and accountable to make a difference to the people that we serve. Perhaps this is one area we can look at to learn what we can, especially when we have such a significant opportunity to hear from a learned and respected professional on the subject. I urge all members of the public to come out and learn more on the subject. It affects us all whether directly or not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause