Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by Mr. Bell on October 30, 2001, regarding the rationale for the closure of the youth addictions program.

A review of this program undertaken in October 1998 recommended its closure. Serious issues pertaining to client safety and the program's success rates were raised during the review. During the year prior to the closure, the program was also experiencing very low occupancy rates, approximately 56 percent.

Beginning in January 1999, the department, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, embarked on an alternative programming initiative. The intention was to work with Northern Addictions Services (NAS) to develop alternative programming to address the underlying issues of addictions for both adults and youth. In March 1999, NAS advised the department in writing that they were no longer interested in participating in this process of change. They indicated that the NAS board had a different vision and would pursue options with Justice Canada. All contractual arrangements between NAS and the department were terminated effective June 30, 1999. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.