Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS addictions to drugs and alcohol continue to devastate many Northwest Territories individuals and families;

AND WHEREAS the use of crack cocaine, heroin and other drugs has increased substantially in Northwest Territories communities in recent years;

AND WHEREAS the numbers of youth addicted to alcohol and drugs is increasing;

AND WHEREAS having the support of family and friends makes the difference between success and failure for many people struggling to overcome addictions;

AND WHEREAS many individuals are forced to seek treatment in southern facilities away from their support networks due to the lack of treatment centres in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS the residential treatment programs in Inuvik and Yellowknife were discontinued in 1997 and 1999 respectively;

AND WHEREAS the only remaining residential treatment centre in the Northwest Territories is Nats'ejee K'eh on the Hay River Dene Reserve;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the government establish a centre in the NWT dedicated to treating addictions to drugs other than alcohol;

AND FURTHER that the government establish an addictions treatment centre specifically for youth;

AND FURTHERMORE the government re-open residential treatment centres in Yellowknife and Inuvik. Thank you.

---Applause