Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is right. The cost of tobacco to our budget, on an annual basis in the Northwest Territories, is about $31 million annually. This is a very significant amount of money.
The department is strongly committed to addressing this public health issue. The Department of Health and Social Services and boards have all endorsed this priority under the health promotional strategy framework. In particular, the need to focus on the high rates of tobacco addiction amongst young people in the Northwest Territories.
We are actively providing support to an interdepartmental working group that is drafting the Territorial Tobacco Strategy and work plan, addressing healthy public policy legislation, public education, communication enforcement and research. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.