Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the financial support of the NWT Power Corporation and First Air for their contributions to the RCMP program DARE, or Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

The Power Corporation provided $20,000 to the RCMP to help them take this program to our schools across the North over the next two years. First Air provides free air travel to the RCMP to offset what would otherwise be a very significant cost to the program.

Mr. Speaker, since the inception of this program in 1997, the RCMP have been to over 20 communities and reached more than 1,500 students. The program is run by the RCMP's drug awareness office and over a 17-week period, youth learn about conflict resolution, anger management, alternatives to substance abuse and violence and how to say no to drugs.

Without the financial support of the NWT Power Corporation and First Air, this program clearly would not be viable. I think it is important for us to recognize this financial support and the dedication and commitment of the RCMP officers involved in delivering this program. I hope my colleagues will join me in thanking these folks for working to improve the lives of our children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause