Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in his budget address, the Minister of Finance made reference to some of the social problems we have to deal with. One of the main ones being the issue of alcohol abuse. With my statement today, I hope to cast a positive light on how that issue can be dealt with.
During the month of June, Mr. Speaker, high school students in communities across Canada have been celebrating their graduation in a modern way with dry grads. For the first time ever in Fort Smith, the graduates there have decided to have a dry graduation.
-- Applause
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to report that this evening was a great success. After the ceremonies and graduation function, the students put away their formal attire and donned their jeans and shorts and headed over to the rec centre for the dry grad. They had an evening filled with hypnotist shows, swimming, volleyball, bungee, pull-rope and sumo wrestling. There was also an incredible amount of food consumed during the night by these many hungry young students.
After a full evening of activities, at 6:00 a.m. they all headed over to the Western Arctic Leadership program for a pancake breakfast.
I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in planning this very important function, from the teachers, parents and students who arranged the event to the community volunteers who worked all night; the Fort Smith business community for their many contributions; and of course the students themselves, who took part and made the event so much fun. It was demonstrated very clearly, Mr. Speaker, that you do not need alcohol to celebrate and have fun. I am glad it was a success. I am glad to hear they are already talking about next year's graduation. Thank you.
-- Applause