Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week a national organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), published a report on provincial and territorial motor vehicle legislation across Canada intended to deter impaired driving. The MADD report card gave the Northwest Territories a failing grade of "F".
Mr. Speaker, the MADD report card serves to support the position of this government in that there is an urgent need for legislation to address the high numbers of impaired drivers in the NWT. This is a complex social problem and true prevention also includes calls for positive measures in public education and awareness.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation has been working with the Departments of Justice, Health and Social Services, the RCMP, the Stanton Hospital Board and the two Yellowknife School Boards to develop its Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving (STRID). The Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving is a comprehensive approach to the problem of impaired driving. Its many recommendations cover legislation, enforcement, public education and rehabilitation.
A little over a month ago, I proposed to the Executive Council that amendments be made to the Motor Vehicles Act to implement the legislative recommendations of the Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving. Cabinet has requested comments from the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development on this important initiative. On receipt of standing committee comments and the direction of the Executive Council, I expect to introduce, in this House, a Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles Act with respect to impaired driving.
Mr. Speaker, I believe our legislative agenda with respect to impaired driving is well in hand and proceeding in an orderly fashion. Hopefully, future MADD report cards will reflect better grades for the NWT. I would like to say again that legislative change is only one of a number of initiatives that will lead to the kinds of change that we all agree are required to reduce the incidence of drinking and driving to make our roads safer for the travelling public.
-- Applause