Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the eve of this national holiday, Canada Day, I am pleased to make note of the work that we are all doing to address a serious problem in this country, that of impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, as they are known, recently published a report on provincial and territorial vehicle legislation across Canada, to champion their cause of deterring impaired driving.

A failing grade of F on the MADD report card was assigned to the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, of 22 percent, the lowest in Canada. The highest, by comparison, was Ontario, at 51 percent. The full report is easily pulled up on the internet site at their MADD Canada address.

Mr. Speaker, I was encouraged earlier this week to hear the Minister of Transportation outline his department's efforts to develop a strategy to reduce impaired driving, as a comprehensive approach to the problem of drinking and driving.

I was also impressed, Mr. Speaker, with the input of partnerships the department is building with other groups in the Northwest Territories to deal with this very serious issue. Included in the approach are a legislation enforcement, public education and rehabilitation.

During the last session, this Assembly learned about the Canadian Youth Against Drinking and Driving Conference in March, 2001, being organized by the Yellowknife students of that organization. Members of this House, including the Premier and Cabinet, met personally with the students to hear about their preparation and fundraising in support of the 11th annual CYAID meeting. It is a conference, Mr. Speaker, that could see as many as 500 students and young people coming to Yellowknife, and it could be one of the largest conferences ever in the Northwest Territories.

I am aware that Students Against Drinking and Driving have undertaken an extensive fundraising campaign and recently made a presentation to the Ministers of Transportation and Youth. At this particular time, major fundraisers are being sought, and the organization has been very successful. So far, Mr. Speaker. they have raised over $70,000.

The Minister of Youth and this government have been very supportive of the SADD program. I wish to compliment the Ministers on their initiatives in this portfolio. There is still much work to be done with regard to financing and arrangements for the conference, and I intend to raise this issue with the Minister later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause